Lee Stempniak has been playing great for the New Jersey Devils, racking up 38 points and 15 goals in 51 games this season. Since he is playing well, and the team is in the playoff race, logic would suggest they keep him on to maximize his productivity, but the 33-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent, and General Manager Ray Shero may get offers for a draft pick or prospect, which may make him change his mind. Stempniak says he is not focused on it, as it is all out of his control, but wishes to stay with the team.
"You never know what is going to happen," he said, according to NJ Advance Media's Rich Chere. "Last year, in New York, I was traded and they [the Rangers] ended up winning the President's Trophy. Things happen and they're sort of out of my control. I really hadn't thought about this at all until I was asked the last two days. So it's not weighing on my mind very much."
Stempniak continued: "I'm not really focused on it. There is a lot of hockey left to be played. I'm trying to play the best I can and help the team win games. If we're in the playoff hunt, I think they'll be looking to keep guys and maybe add a player or two, so I think that helps me sticking around. We'll see. I'll take it as it comes."
"I would like to stay. I really like it here," he stated. "I like the coaches. I think it's a great organization. I think the team is just going to get better over the years. When some of the younger players mature and take the next step in their careers, that will make the team that much better."
Coach John Hynes also vouches for the star winger.
"Lee's having a good season. He finds a way to rise to the challenge," he said, according to Chere. "Here's a guy who has been in the NHL a long time. He's been around different components. He's a main part of our team. It's a different situation for him in his career where he's counted on every night to be the guy. He's a huge part of our team. Not just because he scores goals. It goes back to that culture thing and guys you want to have in your room."
A lot does depend on where the Devils are in the standings. Things could change dramatically if the Devils fall out of the playoff picture by the end of February. The way things are going now, though, it seems like Stempniak's value to the team is necessary to be able to be contenders.
The New Jersey Devils are sitting at 26-20-5, fifth in the Metropolitan Division.
