Mike Cammalleri pulls five years out of New Jersey
The first “uh, how many years did he just get?” signing of the 2014 Free Agent Frenzy went to the New Jersey Devils, who gave free-agent forward Mike Cammalleri of the Calgary Flames a 5-year, $25-million contract on Tuesday
Cammalleri turned 32 last month, and had 45 points in 63 games for the Flmaes last season. He hasn’t hit 50 points since 2009-10, but had 26 goals last season, including eight on the power play.
President/GM/Ruler of All He Surveys Lou Lamoriello was a Cammalleri fan, and tried to acquire him as a rental at the trade deadline. And how refreshing to see the Devils sign a diminutive, speedy winger this summer after throwing millions at a Hudson River garbage barge named Ryane Clowe last offseason.
Cammalleri also had two shootout goals in six attempts last season. Which would be a thing the Devils need.
But five years? Way too long, as he'll be close to 37 at the end of the deal and already has a few miles on those tires.
But you have to give to get, and the Devils gave term. It’s an aggressive move from the team’s new ownership as it attempts to reestablish the Devils as a playoff team.
