Shanahan remains on the roster for now as it appears that the Devils could be trying to trade Shanahan before their Saturday opener against Philadelphia.
It appears that the "mutual and amiable" parting comes down to this-the Devils are going young and going young on their top three lines with Illka Pikkarainen over from Finland and three players making the team after spending last season with Lowell in Rod Pelley,Matt Halischuk and Nicklas Bergfors.
Considering that,there would be no room for the aging Shanahan on the first three lines.
The Shanahan contract of one million for the season remains on the Devils salary cap until Shanahan is traded or released despite not playing.
I think Brendan Shanahan could have been a contributor this season,especially on the power play and his "veteran presence" would have added some behind the scenes intangibles,but on the overall,this is the type of move that is difficult,yet necessary to make.
I really like what I have seen of Matt Halischuk and Nicklas Bergfors has been waiting for years for a legitimate chance to contribute and at least one of those two would not get that opportunity with Shanahan on the team.
It is always sad when a veteran player reaches the end of the line,especially one with the class of Brendan Shanahan,but this was a move that the Devils were forced to make by their prospects pushing their way in and demanding their time to shine.
For the Devils sake,they can make the next step successfully.
Back tomorrow with the Devils preview.
Photo Credit-New Jersey Devils
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