Three depth defensemen the Devils could target in free agency

If the Devils opt not to do major surgery, and instead add around the edges, these defenders could be of interest.

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We know New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is looking “for something,” on defense. He said it in his own words.

While we don’t yet know what that something is, the blueline is largely assembled with talented players under team control for a while.

Combine that with the Devils’ plans to go big game hunting between the pipes – as well as add a forward or two who bring different elements to the table – and it’s certainly possible they spend most resources elsewhere and opt to make additions around the edges on defense.

For the purpose of this post, let’s assume the Devils don’t sign a notable free agent like Brenden Dillon (I think he’d be a nice addition!) or pull off a sizeable trade.

Instead, they sign a cheaper free agent who can play lower in the lineup and help fill a void on the penalty kill.

Let’s take a closer look at a few defensemen who could fit the bill.

Derek Forbort

The 6’4’, 215-pound defenseman plays a heavy game and would bring elements the Devils don’t have a ton of on the back end.

Forbort combined to average more than 10 hits + blocks per 60 during 5v5 play this past season. Brendan Smith was the only Devils defenseman who could say that.

The difference: Forbort was on for 1.6 fewer goals against/60 than Smith while he also led Bruins defenders in xG suppression.

Forbort’s even-strength defense was worth +4.6 GAR, according to Evolving-Hockey. That would’ve led the entire Devils team.

He also logged three minutes per game in penalty-killing situations, putting him five seconds below Brandon Carlo for top spot on the Bruins.

Forbort could provide bite while giving the Devils more defensive acumen at evens and on the penalty kill.

Forbort would also bring a lot of experience to the table. The 32-year-old has played in nearly 500 regular season games and appeared 35 times in the playoffs. He’s also made the playoffs in five straight years spanning three organizations (Winnipeg, Calgary, and most recently Boston).

Mark Giordano