I have researched the list of the New Jersey Devils unrestricted free agents after the 2007-08 campaign.  There are only two players that I am overtly concerned with, winger Jay Pandolfo and defenseman Karel Rachunek.  Pandolfo, 32, earned roughly $836,000 this year but has been out of commission since Nov. 28 with a pelvic/abdomen injury.  Before suffering the injury, Pandolfo scored 13 points in 24 games and was on pace to easily surpass his career high in goals and points.

The younger 27-year-old Rachunek is making $1.4 million while contributing nine points and a +8 plus minus.  He was on Ottawa and the New York Rangers before signing with New Jersey this past off season.

I expect both skaters to remain in the organization, though Rachunek may be offered more money to play elsewhere.  New Jersey drafted Pandolfo in 1993 and there is no reason to suspect he will depart, considering he’s primarily a defensive-minded forward with “limited” offensive numbers.

Arron Asham was signed away from the New York Islanders this past off season and has scored merely eight points in 46 games.  In October, he manufactured two goals and two assists through the Devils first six games of the season.  Since then, his production has been curbed dramatically.

In addition, we have Noah Clarke who was called up when the Devils were in need of emergency relief.  He is currently playing for Lowell, one of the Devils minor league organizations.  He scored the team's second goal against the Florida Panthers, before being sent down after the contest.

Clarke has 29 points in 39 games for Lowell, but needs to improve his -13 plus minus rating.  I expect the Devils to resign him as well.  He is part of their future.

Defensively, the Devils are not very deep, regardless of Johnny Oduya’s latest outburst.  After this season, Brookbank and Mottau are UFAs.  They are under 30 years of age and only cost New Jersey less than a million dollars combined.  Brookbank has been a healthy scratch since Dec. 29 and is unlikely to return next season.

With a more significant role, Mottau has averaged 18:47 of ice time per game with 11 points.  He should be resigned.  Hopefully, the Devils can afford to match what may be offered his direction.

Since Scott Niedermayer, Scott Stevens, Ken Daneyko and Brian Rafalski departed via free agency and/or retirement, GM Lou Lamoriello has not found suitable replacements.  Colin White and Paul Martin have carried important roles reminiscent of Stevens and Rafalski, but the team is in need of a trade or signing in the offseason for a power play point man.  There are several marquee names available as well, including Rob Blake, Brad Stuart, Brian Campbell and Michal Rozsival, who would be huge additions to this club.

In terms of centers, the market is filled with experienced names like Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin, Martin Straka, Brendan Morrison and Vaclav Prospal.

Regarding left wingers, the list continues: Markus Naslund, Sergei Samsonov and Kristian Huselius.

The UFA RW list is also decent in my opinion.  Marian Hossa, Pavol Demitra, Mark Recchi, Michael Ryder and Radim Vrbabta are some of the names mentioned.

There are also restricted free agents like Brad Boyes and Patrick O'Sullivan who have certainly made names for themselves this season.  Add in Martin Erat, Chuck Kobasew, Patrick Eaves and you have many players under 26 that will earn significant pay raises next season.  Stay tuned.

Forwards:

Jay Pandolfo
Arron Asham
Noah Clarke

Defensemen:

Karel Rachunek
Sheldon Brookbank
Mike Mottau

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