With less than two days before the NHL’s annual free agent free-for all, the Devils – like most of the NHL – have many questions that need to be addressed heading into 2013-14. Although GM Lou Lamoriello followed his stunning weekend trade for Cory Schnieder with the announcements that FA’s-to-be Danius Zubrus (three years, $3.1 million per) and Peter Harrold (two years, $800k per) both re-upped, that still leaves forwards Patrik Elias, David Clarkson and defenseman Marek Zidlicky free to talk to teams during the NHL’s new ‘interview’ period in the two and a half days before FA’s can officially sign elsewhere. Like the NBA though, FA’s can agree in principle with another team during this window. Also, the Devils may choose to either buy out or work out a trade for goalie Johan Hedberg, displaced on the active roster after the Schnieder deal. New Jersey has till noon tomorrow if they choose to buy out the Moose. Working out a trade seems unlikely given Moose’s age, subpar season and the number of goalies looking for work, such as Ilya Bryzgalov, Evgeni Nabokov and Ray Emery, just to name a few. Retirement is also an option but that decision hasn’t been made yet. Either way, the departure of a popular vet is just one way things are ch-ch-changing in the Devils’ net.

Our FA’s to be, and bringing in outside help for an offense that desperately needs it is the Devils’ most pressing concern heading into a pivotal weekend for a franchise that may or may not be in flux, depending on what you believe. Current majority owner Jeff Vanderbeek‘s financial issues may force him to sell the team, with attorney Andrew Barraway the latest rumored potential buyer. Despite very little evidence the Devils’ finances have hurt, the constant carping for the last two years is getting old. Especially when sleazeball agents like Pat Morris (part of the same Newport agency that helped steer Zach Parise homeward bound last summer) openly admit he was surprised Lou made any offer to his client – Clarkson – given our financial issues. Morris also rubbed salt in an open wound publicly running down a list of FA’s that have left before. Such a smear tactic against one team is quite simply unprofessional and may only serve to steer FA’s away from NJ faster.

Be that as it may, there’ve been no rumors about our remaining FA’s, other than Lou indicating he’s ready to work on RFA’s such as Adam Henrique. While the Elias deal is rumored to be close, it’s not signed yet. Hopefully the lack of noise about Elias, Clarkson and Zidlicky talking to other teams today is good news though if Zidlicky does re-sign, the Devils once again have the same issue they tried to navigate last year in having seven starting D (plus a capable reserve in Harrold) with only six spots. Not fixing this in a short season is one thing, but there’s no excuse for Lou to run with eight this year, especially with all the D prospects in the pipeline. And yet the Devils need Zidlicky’s offensive talent. Perhaps if he returns someone else like Henrik Tallinder or even Mark Fayne may get dealt on expiring contracts.

If I was ranking those three in terms of importance, Clarkson might be third, especially if he gets overpaid as bad as Darren Dreger and other rumor mongers suspect he might. Yes he’s important and will need to be replaced if he walks, but I’m sorry – if anyone gives this guy $40 million they need to be taken to the funny farm. Even if we manage to retain Clarkson we still need more help on the wing. Danny Briere (bought out by Philly) is one FA we could well have a chance to bring in. While the diminutive forward has had declining production the last couple years, at the right price he’s still an upgrade that can help. Especially given his career playoff numbers. Would Stephen Weiss or Nathan Horton come here to play with ex-coach Pete DeBoer? I wouldn’t count on it given the rumored fallout with Horton while he was still in Florida, not to mention the fact Weiss is represented by Newport, who seem to have it out for us. Other secondary options are also available and there’s always the trade market.

It’ll be interesting to see how this all shakes out over the next few days.