Devils dribble into free agency

The New Jersey Devils dipped a lukewarm toe into the free agent pool as they signed one player from the NHL level,one from an AHLer to bolster Albany and another one from the college ranks to add to the system as the player meat market officially opened on Wednesday.

The biggest name was the addition of defenseman John Moore,late of Arizona,but also a former Ranger and Blue Jacket after being a first round selection by Columbus in 2009.
Moore is just 24 despite being in the league for five years and brings a potential upside to New Jersey as a stay at home defenseman,but frankly has disappointed in three stops prior to Newark.
Ray Shero has commented on the importance of internal competition and Moore should be in a battle for the sixth/seventh spot among the defensive group.
Moore's contract is for 1.6 million a year over three years,which isn't really a terrible amount for a player that might see his fortunes turn with some development with some luck.

The Devils also added Jim O'Brien as a depth player that most likely will spend the season with the Albany Devils in the AHL.
O'Brien spent the last two seasons in the AHL with a stop in the KHL in between.
The former Ottawa Senator is said to compete for a roster spot,but is more likely to provide that "veteran leadership" that one sees in the AHL and the callup spot that has been held by the Tim Sestito/Joe Whitney types over the last few seasons...

New Jersey also signed someone that Devils fans hope could be a future contributor as the team signed former third round center Blake Coleman to a two year deal.
Coleman scored twenty goals last season for Miami (Ohio) and after a four year career as a Redhawk will compete in camp,but is more likely to start the season with Albany.....

Back later with a look at the Cavaliers on the NBA free agency start.