The New Jersey Devils did what was expected of them, signing defensemen Brett Pesce and Brendan Dillon, as well as forward Stefan Noesen. Earlier in the day, they were also in talks with Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. However, both players signed with Tom Fitzgerald's friend Barry Trotz in Nashville. While it may seem negative at first glance, the Devils dodged a few bullets in free agency today.

The Devils need a top-six winger to complement their strong midfield with Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. Stamkos and Marchessault could have fit that category. However, both players are 34 years old and have been given long-term contracts. The Devils couldn't do that as they have some things to sort out in the future.

The Predators have gotten better today. However, in two or three years, those contracts could easily age like milk. The Devils avoided major losses by not signing those two players. We would be having a very different discussion if Nashville had signed any of those players for two years. With Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec and a goalie needed in the future, not giving out those contracts now is a good thing.

Although they were missing a top-six winger they desperately need, the transfer market is the more likely route as Dawson Mercer is still in need of a contract. Devils fans will also be pleased with the signing of Stefan Noesen. He provides depth to the bottom-six attacking core and will do what the Devils have been expecting from Nate Bastian on the power play.

With all the huge contracts being given out, the Devils were smart not to give any of those huge contracts to centers. The only player on the market that would have deserved a huge contract was Jake Guentzel, and he got that big contract. The core of the Devils is that they are all under long-term contracts and when their contracts end, they are still at their best. Many contracts that are given out on July 1st end with players who are no longer at their best.

The only deal that should be questioned is Brendan Dillon. He was a little overpaid at $4 million AAV, but he's a player the Devils desperately needed. Someone who can provide bite at the back and fill in for teammates who are being taken advantage of. The way Dillon plays justifies the contract. The Devils had a good day today, even if it doesn't feel like it.

There is still a lot of time before training camp begins and it is entirely possible that Tom Fitzgerald could add a top-6 winger via trade while retaining some of his salary. A player like Patrik Laine or Nikolaj Ehlers would spring to mind. At the end of the first day of free agency, the Devils were a much better team overall.