So this how I would like to see things:
TDL:
PAP for a 2nd/3rd Round pick
Josefson for a mid/late Round pick
Draft:
Though the Devils need a Top 2 potential D, the Devils may be picking at a point where they are able to acquire one of the Top 3 centers in this draft (Patrick, Vilardi, Hischier). The top D in this draft is Timothy Liljegren, who looks to be a great puck carrying, smooth skating defenseman. It is also said that Gabriel Vilaridi is the best two way center this draft has and also has some really good size. The Devils center depth can be locked up for years to come if they were to take one of the centers, with Zacha and McLeod. If the Devils were to go with Liljegren, they would be about one D man away from being very stout in the back end with Greene, Severson, Santini, Lovejoy, Moore, and Merrill bring depth. If the Devils have the opportunity to take Vilardi or Liljegren, that would be optimal.
Resignings:
Severson is an RFA, I'm hoping he gets the similar bridge deal Larsson got before he signed that 6-year deal.
Resign Bennett, Fiddler, and Kalinin to similar deals to make up the fourth line rotating with DSP.
Resign Kinkaid
Free-Agency:
I've liked Shero's approach through free agency the past two off seasons where he's been mostly using free agency for depth and not overpaying for the big fish and having a pissing contest with other teams. Shero has used the right approach by building this team through the draft and using assets in possession to trade with. Therefore, I am not a huge fan of the idea of going after Shattenkirk. However, the one bigger UFA I can see Shero going after is TJ Oshie, but I'm not banking on that. So, in terms of UFA's I don't see Shero doing much, but maybe a depth forward or D.
Trades:
I saw an interesting trade the other day on the trade board and though I have a soft spot for Henrique and I think we all do, this is a different team then it has been in past years and he's a valuable asset with a solid contract. That trade is:
ANA gets:
Adam Henrique (retain 25%)
+
NJD gets:
Sami Vatanen
Anaheim has to get rid of a D because they cannot protect all of them for the expansion draft. The Devils need a Top 4 D man. Anaheim needs a middle 6 Foward. I'm thinking the Devils probably have to add a 2nd but I think that would ultimately be worth it, considering how many draft picks they have and possibly will gain at the TDL.
2017-18 Lineup (no specific line combos/D-Pairings and no 2017 draft picks)
Hall-Zacha-Palmieri
Wood-Zajac-Cammalleri
Speers-McLeod-Bennett
DSP-Fiddler-Lappin
Kalinin
Greene-Severson
Santini-Vatanen
Lovejoy-Moore
Merrill
Schneider
Kinkaid