The New Jersey Devils have decisions to make. The Devils are a point back of Pittsburgh for the final Eastern Conference wild card spot as of Tuesday. But with the trade deadline less than a week away, Devils GM Ray Shero has interest from around the league for veterans Lee Stempniak and David Schlemko, according to Pierre LeBrun.
Schlemko and Stempniak are both set to become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, but Shero is not ready to become a seller just yet and will only move them if the price is right, according to LeBrun. Both players have a soft cap hit of under a million dollars and would be able to step in and contribute for a number of teams with playoff hopes.
Thirty-three-year-old Stempniak has put together a productive season with the Devils, scoring 41 points through 61 games this season. A cap hit of $850,000 US, according to General Fanager, gives Stempniak appeal to a team like the Washington Capitals who are looking to add scoring depth at a cheap price.
Schlemko is a reliable defenceman and a cap hit of $625,000, according to General Fanager, makes him a discount option compared to bigger name rental players like Kris Russell from the Calgary Flames or Dan Hamhuis of the Vancouver Canucks.
The Dallas Stars are looking to add a defenceman, according to Taylor Baird, but might not like the price attached to Russell or Hamhuis.
Sitting just outside the playoff picture with 21 games left to play, it's not out of the question for the Devils to add a piece before the trade deadline, according to Michael Gwizdala. The Devils have far exceeded expectations this year in what many expected it to be a rebuilding season, but it is still in the club's best interest to hold onto its prospects and listen to offers for Stempniak or Schlemko.
