The soon to be 32 year old Stafford scored eight goals with thirteen assists last season in a year split between Winnipeg and Boston.
Stafford spent most of his career in Buffalo with the Sabres where he never scored less than 14 goals in anything close to a full season.
Stafford's career year came in 2010-11 with 31 goals and 21 assists in Buffalo and although I don't expect anywhere near those type of numbers,Stafford did score 21 goals just two years ago in his only full season in Winnipeg.
Stafford clearly slots into the second line at right wing and allowed the Devils to keep Marcus Johannson on the left side where the former Capital has said he is more comfortable.
With only Kyle Palmieri as the only veteran right wing with proven point production,Stafford will give the Devils a chance allow younger players such as Stefan Noesen and former first rounder Michael McLeod to be used on lines that allow them to broken in slowly.
Stafford brings a big and physical around the net presence and with the recent loss of Travis Zajac to a torn pectoral musecle for four to six months,some extra help in the locker room.
One more factor could be the severe cut in pay as this could motivate Stafford since he was paid over four million a year for the last two years and the lack of interest of any team to pay him anywhere near his past standard could result in a highly motivated player for his next and maybe final contract if it would be a long term deal...
I love this for the Devils.
I always liked Stafford (the aging announcer for the Sabres used to go nuts whenever Stafford would score) and his game.
I think at just 800K,Stafford will prove to be a steal and might even be a valuable trading chip,if the Devils are out of the playoff race.
Nice signing by Ray Shero and company...
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