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Devils in Scramble Mode After Crawford’s Sudden Absence

Offseason free agent addition, goaltender Corey Crawford, has announced his indefinite absence from the Devils.

The 2020-21 expectations were never lofty for the New Jersey Devils. That said, they were expected to compete and continue to grow in the right direction. Pieces that were added over the past few years were supposed to help the organization inch closer to becoming contender and key to that success in 2020-21 was the acquisition of goaltender Corey Crawford.

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Unfortunately, the Devils got some potentially heart-breaking news on Friday. It was announced by the team that Crawford is taking an “indefinite leave of absence” from the Devils and the NHL due to personal reasons. It wasn’t revealed what the issue is that’s caused the leave, but the club and everyone else wishes him all the best.

Unfortunately for the Devils, now it’s time to scramble.

The Devils Were Trending in the Right Direction

The organization has undoubtedly added some extremely talented young players including draft picks Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Ty Smith – not to mention trade acquisitions Nolan Foote and David Quenneville. They also added three first round picks in 2020 – Swedish winger Alexander Holtz (8th overall), Canadian center Dawson Mercer (18th), and Russian defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin (20th).

NHL Rumors: Nico Hischier Jesse Puljujarvi
Nico Hischier – New Jersey Devils

When the club added free agent Corey Crawford to help stabilize the goaltending position and join 24-year-old Mackenzie Blackwood, it was assumed they had their tandem set for the 2020-21 season. It may be too early to know for sure, but that may no longer be the case.

After another season of struggles for Corey Schneider continued, the veteran presence of Crawford was an encouraging addition. Things were looking up in the Garden State. However, less than a week away from the home opener, Crawford’s departure from the team is devastating news.

Corey Crawford Blackhawks goalie
Corey Crawford – New Jersey Devils

A Backup and Third from Within?

The reason the team now has to scramble is two-fold. Given the unique season ahead, teams are required to have three goaltenders on the active roster. That means the Devils will have to determine which of three non-roster players – Senn Gilles (24), Evan Cormier (23), and Scott Wedgewood (28) – could feasibly fill the back up role along with a legitimate third option.

Unfortunately, the combined total of NHL games played between these three players currently sits at 26. Wedgewood has the most experience of the three, but he has not seen NHL action since the 2017-18 season when he played in 20 games for the Arizona Coyotes.

Use Cap Room?

The Devils do have around $9.5 million in cap space, so GM Tom Fitzgerald is in good financial position to be able to go out and sign a free agent – that brings me to the second issue. The free agent market for goaltenders was shallow before the league announced the requirement to have three roster goaltenders back on December 20th, 2020. The selection of available goaltending help is now near non-existent even if a team was looking to find a borderline NHL caliber player.

Devils cap spaced before Crawford announced his absence.

At this stage of the proceedings, it is going to be an uphill battle for the Devils to try and rectify their goaltending situation. Not impossible, but a very steep climb.

NEXT: New Jersey Devils Sign Sami Vatanen to 1-Yr Deal

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