We interrupt a lovely summer day with…actual updates! To get caught up:
-Two more restricted free agents have re-signed with New Jersey:
In a move that some found, well, interesting, Brandon Burlon was signed a 2 year, 2 way contract. The defenseman has yet to play more than 57 games since turning pro in 2011, mostly because of the logjam of prospects in the organization (Gelinas, Merrill, Larsson to name a few). He did manage to set a career high in goals this past season with 5 in 54 games, while mostly being used in even strength and power play situations. Unless Dan Kelly re-signs, he will be the most experienced A-Devil defenseman to return this season in terms of years played.
Also returning is forward Scott Timmins, signing a 1 year, 2 way contract. Acquired in late September from Florida for Krys Barch, Timmins was a pleasant offensive surprise from the start. In his fourth pro season, he set a career high in points with 39 (13 goals and 26 assists) in 70 games (he did miss time due to a knee injury in November/December).
The updated free agent tracker will be out on Friday at noon.
-And the first preseason game has been announced, via Lehigh Valley, who announced their full preseason schedule earlier today. The Devils will travel southwest to the new PPL Center on Saturday, October 4th for a 7 PM faceoff. Hopefully the first of many game announcements to come (one local game other than in Adirondack would be nice, but I’m not holding my breath).
Thoughts Inside The Box 