Three under-the-radar forwards the Devils could target in free agency
Breaking down three depth options who can tilt the ice and chip in offensively at 5v5.
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It’s well documented the New Jersey Devils need another top-6 forward who can put the puck in the net.
Less discussed is the need for another bottom-6 winger with play-driving chops and the ability to chip in offensively.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at three pending unrestricted free agents who could fit the bill.
Kailer Yamamoto
Yamamoto quietly had an excellent season with the Utah Mammoth.
He helped control 53.59% of the expected goals and a team-leading 57.47% of the high-danger scoring chances at 5v5 play.
Those numbers predictably led to success on the scoreboard. Yamamoto won his 5v5 minutes by 10 goals and posted a better per-60 differential than every Mammoth forward outside of Clayton Keller.
Yamamoto ranked 7th among Mammoth forwards in offensive zone start percentage so it wasn’t as if he was given a head start every time over the boards.
He was also very productive, scoring 13 goals at 5v5 in just 59 appearances. That would have tied Timo Meier for 3rd among Devils players.
While Yamamoto did run hot with a finishing rate above 20%, he is a career 14.7% shooter. There shouldn’t be that large of a correction.
Yamamoto is undersized but he plays hard, goes to the dirty areas, and is an excellent forechecker.
His ability to help tilt the ice – while also contributing offense – would make him a strong addition to the bottom-6.
