The New Jersey Devils are looking to improve their bottom six forward group after a challenging 2023-24 season. To identify potential upgrades, it makes sense to explore players from teams with recent deep playoff runs. Let’s examine some bottom six forwards from the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and New York Rangers who could potentially bolster the Devils’ lineup.
Vegas Golden Knights
**1. Nicolas Roy**
– **Position:** Center/Wing
– **Age:** 27
– **Contract Status:** Signed through 2024-25
– **Strengths:** Roy is a versatile forward who can play both center and wing. He is known for his defensive reliability, physical play, and ability to win faceoffs. He also has some offensive upside, having put up respectable point totals in limited minutes.
**2. William Carrier**
– **Position:** Left Wing
– **Age:** 28
– **Contract Status:** Signed through 2024-25
– **Strengths:** Carrier brings a strong physical presence and energy to the fourth line. He excels in forechecking and can chip in with timely goals. His speed and tenacity make him a valuable player in a bottom-six role.
Florida Panthers
1. Eetu Luostarinen**
– **Position:** Center/Wing
– **Age:** 25
– **Contract Status:** Signed through 2025-26
– **Strengths:** Luostarinen is a young, versatile forward with good defensive instincts and the ability to contribute offensively. He has shown promise in both penalty-killing and even-strength situations, making him a solid two-way player.
2. Sam Reinhart**
– **Position:** Right Wing
– **Age:** 28
– **Contract Status:** UFA 2024
– **Strengths:** Reinhart is more of a middle-six forward but can slide into a bottom-six role if necessary. He has a strong offensive game and can be a power play asset. His experience and scoring ability would be beneficial for the Devils’ depth.
New York Rangers
**1. Barclay Goodrow**
– **Position:** Center/Wing
– **Age:** 31
– **Contract Status:** Signed through 2026-27
– **Strengths:** Goodrow is a gritty, physical forward who brings a championship pedigree, having won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is effective in penalty killing and provides leadership and toughness on the ice.
**2. Jimmy Vesey**
– **Position:** Left Wing/Right Wing
– **Age:** 31
– **Contract Status:** UFA 2024
– **Strengths:** Vesey is a versatile winger who can play on either side. He is known for his work ethic, defensive responsibility, and ability to contribute offensively in a limited role. He’s a reliable depth player who can be counted on in various situations.
Conclusion
These players offer different skill sets and attributes that could help strengthen the Devils’ bottom six. Whether the focus is on defensive reliability, physical play, versatility, or offensive upside, there are several potential fits from the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and New York Rangers. Bringing in one or more of these players could help the Devils return to their successful form of the 2022-23 season.
Player Profiles: William Carrier and Michael Amadio
William Carrier
Physical Stats:
– Height: 6’2”
– Weight: 218 lb.
– Position: Left Winger
– Experience: 8-year NHL veteran
**Career Overview:**
– Carrier has spent the last seven seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, making him one of the few remaining players from the team’s original roster, known as the “Misfits”.
– Despite playing primarily on the fourth line, he has occasionally moved up in the lineup when needed.
Playing Style and Contributions:
– Carrier isn’t a major offensive threat but did score 16 goals two seasons ago and posted an impressive expected Goals For percentage (xGF%) above 60% in the most recent season.
– Known for his aggressive forecheck and relentless puck pursuit, Carrier excels at being “hard to play against” without resorting to mere physical intimidation.
– He’s a strong skater and can execute the occasional highlight-reel goal, contributing solidly to per 60 rates.
– Carrier’s style is beneficial in the playoffs and his experience is invaluable for teams looking to make a deep postseason run.
Critiques:
– His injury history is a concern, although none of his injuries have been season-ending.
– He lacks positional flexibility, playing exclusively as a left wing.
– Carrier doesn’t contribute significantly to special teams, particularly in penalty killing.
Contract Considerations:
– AFP Analytics projects a 2-year contract with an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $2.48M. This projection might be conservative, and Carrier could secure a longer term on the open market.
– Given Vegas’s cap situation, it remains to be seen if Carrier would accept a hometown discount to stay with the team.
Michael Amadio
Physical Stats:
– Height: 6’1”
– Weight: 204 lb.
– Position: Right-handed shot, flexible across all forward positions
– Experience: 7-year NHL veteran
Career Overview:
– Amadio joined the Golden Knights via waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs and has been with the team for parts of the last three seasons.
– He has posted consistent 27-point seasons over the last two years.
Playing Style and Contributions:
– Amadio’s game is characterized by his ability to win board battles, maintain puck possession, and make plays in tight spaces.
– He plays a responsible two-way game, with a knack for being in the right place at the right time, embodying a “meat and potatoes” style of hockey.
– His overall game doesn’t have standout features, but his combined skills make him a solid bottom-six forward.
– Amadio’s physical presence and skating are adequate but not exceptional. He did contribute five points on the power play last season.
Critiques:
– Amadio’s skating ability is below average.
– He doesn’t offer significant impact on special teams and isn’t a game-changer in this area.
Contract Considerations:
– AFP Analytics projects a 3-year contract with an AAV of $3.17M.
– This figure might be slightly high for the New Jersey Devils, given that Amadio’s contributions, while solid, don’t justify a $3M+ salary range.
Conclusion
Both William Carrier and Michael Amadio bring valuable skills to any team, with Carrier offering more physicality and playoff experience, while Amadio provides versatility and reliable two-way play. For the New Jersey Devils, Carrier’s aggressive forecheck and postseason experience might address a more pressing need for physicality and depth, despite his limited positional flexibility and injury concerns. Amadio’s consistent performance and versatility are attractive, but his lack of standout qualities and slightly higher projected cost might make him a less ideal fit for the Devils’ current roster needs.
