Should the New Jersey Devils bring back Tomas Tatar?

JP Gambatese looks at the pros and cons of re-signing the veteran winger.

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By JP Gambatese (@JP_Gambatese)

Tomas Tatar remaining an unsigned UFA in mid-August was certainly not on my Bingo card. After all, he’s an excellent regular-season producer, solid two-way contributor, is still ‘only' 32’ and will probably sign fairly cheap. 

So, what’s the hold up? Why hasn’t Tom Fitzgerald tendered an offer to him? More importantly, is it the right move to do so in the first place? Let’s take a closer look.

The reasons to pursue Tatar

Tatar is an excellent hockey player. In his 12 years in the NHL, he’s only had one season with a negative expected goals share, coming in 2017-18. 

He has great tools, from a solid shot to underrated playmaking ability to hand-eye coordination. He’s got a motor, and isn’t afraid to deal with contact to keep the puck in his possession. He was one of the Devils’ best forecheckers last season, and he was more than competent in transition.

Skill aside, he also already has chemistry with the team. His most common teammate was Nico Hischier, who he spent over 600 minutes with at even strength. While they were together the team posted an astonishing 64.53% expected goals share.

Apart from Hischier, Tatar posted a 60.2% xG%. It’s not like Hischier was the one carrying that line to incredible success.

Tatar’s outstanding metrics have resulted in great box score statistics, too. He has eclipsed the 20-goal mark in seven seasons, and put up at least 45 points in six. He’s never been much of a power-play juggernaut, either, so these numbers are mostly being put up at even-strength.

Then there’s the matter of his leadership and locker room presence. Although I don’t believe it to be all that important in the Devils’ case – with them just acquiring veterans Tyler Toffoli and Colin Miller – it is a small factor in why he might be a plus to bring back. He clearly loved his time in New Jersey, he was liked and respected by the team, and he likely served as a mentor for some of the younger guys on the squad. 

The reasons not to