5 moves New Jersey Devils must make to return to playoffs

3. Re-sign Patrick Maroon

While the acquisition of Michael Grabner didn’t work out, the trade for Patrick Maroon certainly did. Maroon, 30, is a 6-foot-3, 225-pound monster wing who gives New Jersey something it seldom has elsewhere; size and strength.

In his 17 games with the Devils, the St. Louis native tallied 13 points and found good chemistry on the second line with Miles Wood and Pavel Zacha. After relinquishing only a third-round choice to the Edmonton Oilers for Maroon (maybe the Devils should just trade with the Oilers exclusively), he proved to be everything they needed down the stretch.

Re-signing the veteran shouldn’t be a question. The Devils have more than enough cap space to make the move, and Maroon was a natural fit both 5-on-5 and on the power play. New Jersey is predominantly a younger team with speed across the board, so adding toughness and some leadership — along with an annual 40 points — would be a prudent move.

With Maroon on the right side, the Devils could conceivably go into the 2018-19 campaign with Kyle Palmieri, Maroon, Jesper Bratt and Stefan Noesen on that wing. Not a bad group for a team hoping to jump another tier.