They acquired defenseman Mirco Mueller, 22, and a fifth-round pick in the 2017 draft in a trade with the San Jose Sharks for two draft picks on June 17. Mueller signed a two-year, $1.7 million contract (average annual value $850,000) on July 25. New Jersey lost defenseman Jon Merrill, who was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft.
The Devils then added offensive-minded college free agent defenseman Will Butcher, 22, on Aug. 27, when he
agreed to a two-year contract
.
"I like the pieces we have on defense," goaltender Cory Schneider said before Butcher was added. "Defense is oftentimes a team effort, so perhaps with more speed and skill up front, it will take some of the burden off the defensemen. If we have forwards who defend well, it could make life easier in your own end."
The Devils attempted to sign unrestricted free agent defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, but he signed a four-year contract with the Metropolitan Division rival New York Rangers on July 1.
"Everybody is looking for defensemen, but it's hard to find them," Shero said. "We talk about team defense, and that means having the forwards working as well, so we'll look to improve upon that."
The Devils ranked 14th allowing 2.55 goals against per game in 2014-15, and eighth (2.46) in 2015-16, Hynes' first season as coach. The trade of defenseman Adam Larsson to the Edmonton Oilers for left wing Taylor Hall on June 29, 2016, likely attributed to the defensive regression.
Schneider will look to regain the form that got him to the 2016 NHL All-Star Game. The 31-year-old said he felt responsible for the Devils' defensive struggles last season after finishing with an NHL career-high 2.82 goals-against average and career-low .908 save percentage in 60 games. The Devils hired goalie coach Roland Melanson, who worked with Schneider for three seasons as the goalie coach for the Vancouver Canucks.
"Cory is a highly intelligent person and player, and there are things in his game that we discussed and where he feels he needs to be better," Hynes said. "He's changed his training regimen this summer, and we're all confident he's going to come back very determined."