nobody really needs to go. However, Lovejoy needs to go back to being the extra DMan.
I am under the impression that Yakovlev will not make the NHL roster (and probably then go back to Russia)
I like the contract. I see no reason at this point why Santini won't at least develop into a good bottom-pairing defenseman. He's still only 23 for most of this season so to lock him up for 3 years at $1.4MM (especially when the cap it's a problem now) is fine by me.
I don't think this changes anything for Yakovlev. He knew these 7 defensemen would all likely be back when he signed and he's probably fortunate NJ didn't sign any new defensemen in free agency. Devils have shown they'll find a spot for you if you earn it - if Yakovlev plays well in the preseason I could absolutely see them going with 13F/8D to start the season as they did last year. If he really deserves it they'll find a way to play him (maybe even dressing 7 D again and double-shifting Hall). Otherwise, it's not a bad spot if he starts the season in the AHL 8th on the depth charts as there would be a decent chance of him playing in NJ at some point in the year once injuries hit (though NJ was rather fortunate last season on defense). I don't think he can just head back to Russia if he doesn't make the team out of camp either.
As for Santini - how many restricted years are left after this deal? I feel like this should be something listed on capfriendly.com, but I don't see it there.