5 moves New Jersey Devils must make to return to playoffs

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OTTAWA, ON – APRIL 02: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Erik Karlsson (65) prior to a face-off during third period National Hockey League action between the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators on April 2, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Acquire a legitimate No.1 defenseman

This is, far and away, the top need in New Jersey.

Vatanen is terrific, but he’s more of a second banana on a top pairing. With him being a left-handed shot, Shero should be looking for a top right-handed defenseman who can play upwards of 20 minutes, along with the penalty kill.

Luckily for the Devils, this is an odd offseason that might present multiple options. The free-agency market isn’t robust in terms of a first-pairing defenseman, save John Carlson. However, Carlson might have priced himself out of the Washington Capitals’ cap abilities, and with the New Jersey native set for a huge payday, his hometown team is likely to come calling.

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If Carlson either doesn’t hit the market or signs elsewhere, Shero can turn his attention to potential trades. It’s no secret that the Ottawa Senators would trade Erik Karlsson for the right price (see: haul, massive), something New Jersey should explore. Karlsson is a generational talent and at 27 years old, would form a tremendous core alongside Hall and Hischier.

Other potential options include Oliver Ekman-Larrson of the Arizona Coyotes (although he’s left-handed) and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings. Neither are certain to be available, but there are some who believe either could be had for the right deal.

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