3 New Jersey Devils Not Expected Back Next Season

The New Jersey Devils were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes and are set for an offseason of change. The up-and-coming Devils took the league by storm this season and proved they are close to being contenders. While expect to see their young core all coming back next season, here's three Devils who are not expected to return:

Tomas Tatar

One of the first veterans to join the young Devils, Tomas Tatar is heading for free agency and likely won't be re-signed. The 32-year-old forward recorded 48 points in 82 games, however only scored one goal in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games. At $4.5 million that's not good enough. Look for the Devils to go in another direction this summer.

Mackenzie Blackwood

If there's any goalie being traded this summer, it's Mackenzie Blackwood. Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid are both signed long-term and Blackwood is a pending restricted free agent who will be on the radar of several teams. These playoffs put the writing on the wall for who the team trusted in net. The Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks will have interest on the trade market. Blackwood appeared in 22 games, recording a .893 save % this season.

Damon Severson

With nine pending free agent forwards the Devils are going to have to make some changes to their defense core and long-time Devil Damon Severson could be the odd man out. The team has Dougie Hamilton and John Marino signed long term and able to play the right side. Severson will have a ton of interest on the open market once free agency hits in July and it's likely he prices himself off his team. Severson finished with 33 points in 81 games this season.