Overview
The New Jersey Devils are creating cap space. With free agency beginning tomorrow, the need for cap space to make additions is in the works. The Devils will officially be buying out forward Janne Kuokkanen. The young forward showed potential in his rookie season, but with the way the roster is constructed and the drop in his play, there is no room for him. The Devils gain cap space for this season and will be ready to use it come tomorrow.
Janne Kuokkanen had two seasons where he played over 50 games. In 2020-21, he scored eight goals, 17 assists, and 25 points. He saw his play decline when he only scored six goals and managed 17 points in 52 games. He has 14 goals, 28 assists, and 42 points in his young career.
The Savings
This is a good move. The roster is full where Kuokkanen would slot in. The Devils are gaining 1.625 million in cap space. With still having to sign newly acquired goaltender Vitek Vanecek and looking to add a top-six winger to the mix, the savings opens up possibilities for the team going forward.
What The Devils Should Do With The Available Space?
The Devils have work to do. Jesper Bratt needs a new contract as they are currently working on it. Signing Vitek Vanecek will not break the bank, but the pending RFA requires a new deal as well. But now, the Devils turn to free agency. Adding a top-six winger to the mix is a must. With some of the bigger fish off the market, the Devils could have made room for a push for Johnny Gaudreau, or they can opt for a cheaper but effective option in Andre Burakovsky.
Tom Fitzgerald has work to do, and with the extra cap space, he has more flexibility with the $25 million he already has. Get your popcorn ready, and let the show begin.
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