Devils Bring Back Holik, Party Like It's 1999

Well, it's been weird. That's the best way to describe this first day of free agency in the NHL. In New Jersey, where GM Lou Lamoriello began the day by retaining free agents Bryce Salvador and Jay Pandolfo, the next order of business was to bring back a pair of heroes from the team's late-90s glory days. Shortly after announcing that the team had signed former-Dev Brian Rolston to a 4-year, $20 million deal, the Devils put the final touches on a one-year, $2.5 million agreement with center Bobby Holik. Not exactly five-years and $45 million, but still good work if you can get it. "Bobby is still one of the top size-strength forwards and will add size and strength to our center ice," said Lamoriello. I don't recall "size and strength" being a glaring weakness during their five game series loss to the Rangers this past postseason, but evidently Lou felt it was, and who am I to question Lou? The signing of Rolston is much easier to understand and should be welcome relief for a thin Devils attack.