The first week of free agency is over, and most of the big names have signed. Some bigger names, like Tomas Tatar from Slovakia, are still available.
New Jersey Devils appear to be close to signing Tatar, according to Slovak Hockey Insider Tomas Prokop.
Tatar has been one of the better 5v5 players in the NHL during the regular season, but he has struggled in the postseason. Tatar has only 12 career playoff points in 40 career playoff appearances, proving that he is unable to perform in the postseason.
Elliotte Friedman recently stated that while the playoffs are important, you still need guys to help you get there, and Tatar is one of those players.
Tatar is likely to score 20-25 goals per season for his team. The fact that he averages over a point per game and that nearly half of his career points are goals (176g+201a=377p in 625GP) demonstrates his efficiency.
Tatar will join a young star-studded roster in New Jersey that includes Jack Hughes, MacKenzie Blackwood, Ty Smith, Luke Hughes, Alexander Holtz, and Dawson Mercer, among others. Adding in the recent signing of big free agent Dougie Hamilton, the Devils are on the rise.