Devils Daily: Fitzgerald’s Press Conference; Surprise Sabres, Oilers Trade; Salary Arbitration

The dust has settled on the draft and free agent frenzy. The Devils were busy making the team tougher to play against with an eye toward the playoffs.

We also got our first look at 10th overall pick, Anton Silayev, at Devils development camp. The three-day camp culminated in their annual 3-on-3 tournament in front of a packed crowd at RWJ Barnabas Health Hockey House.

During his recent press conference, we also got to hear from General Manager Tom Fitzgerald about the state of the team, free agency, trades, and more.

It may be the last time we see any Devils on the ice until training camp starts, but news will continue to trickle in over the summer break.

Elsewhere, a familiar name is on the move after a shocking trade, and 14 restricted free agents have filed for salary arbitration.

Let’s do that hockey.

Devils News

New Jersey Hockey Now: There was plenty to take away from Tom Fitzgerald’s press conference this past week. Among some of the topics were the status of Dawson Mercer’s contract, health updates on three key Devils players, and the surprise potential choice at 10th overall had Anton Silayev not been available.

More NJHN: The Devils wrapped up their development camp with their 3-on-3 tournament. Fans packed the team’s practice facility to get a look at top prospects like Silyaev and Seamus Casey. Here are a few takeaways from the tournament; including a few prospects who surprised people with their performance.

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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Fourteen restricted free agents filed for salary arbitration before today’s deadline. Headlining this group are Hurricanes forward Martin Necas, Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko. Surprisingly, Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman did not elect to file for arbitration.

The Athletic: A familiar name will be playing for Lindy Ruff in Buffalo this season, after the Sabres shockingly traded top prospect, forward Matt Savoie, to the Oilers in exchange for Ryan McLeod and prospect Tyler Tullio. The younger brother of former Devil, Michael McLeod, is coming off of a 30-point season and a Stanley Cup Final appearance with the Oilers. The speedy, defensive center will likely play a big role for Ruff in Buffalo as they look to snap a 13-year playoff drought.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins are still looking to fortify their offense heading into the new season. The talent pool is shrinking after the first wave of free agency, however, there are still a few remaining options.

Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche will likely be without star forward Valeri Nichushkin, who is in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and suspended until at least the middle of November. New reports suggest that the Avalanche won’t be looking to move him during this time.