3 New Jersey Devils Not Expected Back Next Season

The New Jersey Devils are going to be a force this season as they looked like a balanced attack that's ready to get over the hump. General manager Tom Fitzgerald has been busy this season trying to upgrade his roster in a major way and has done so with the acquisition of Timo Meier. Meier is due a massive contract extension and in a salary cap world, that means some changes will need to be made next season. Here's three Devils not expected back next season:

Mackenzie Blackwood

The goalie market is going to be fun to watch this summer as several teams are expected to head in different directions. The Devils have become frustrated with the inconsistency in Blackwood's game and the fact he can't stay healthy for long stretches. They also have youngster Akira Schmid who has proved he's ready for bigger minutes. The Devils and Blackwood could be heading for a mutual break up of some sort.

Tomas Tatar

The veteran Tatar was brought into the Devils to provide some leadership in the dressing room and he's done exactly that these past few seasons. He's a pending free agent and is someone who the Devils will likely need to move on from, in order to keep their core together. Tatar makes $4.5 million against the cap this season and has recorded 40 points in 70 games.

Jonathan Bernier

Speaking of goalies who can't stay healthy, Bernier is a pending free agent who will be taken off the books at season's end. The 34-year-old made 10 appearances for the Devils last season but hasn't been healthy enough to start once in 2022-23. Bernier either be signing a one-year league minimum deal this summer or retiring.