David Schlemko – New Jersey Devils – one year, $625,000
In terms of bang for your buck few signings offered the value that David Schlemko has to the Devils this season.
They’re not going to make the playoffs, obviously, but they were surprisingly in or around a playoff spot for much of the season and Schlemko’s play was a big reason why.
The Devils have not been a good team at even-strength. That hasn’t been the case when Schlemko is on the ice.
At 5 v 5 the Devils control 49.1% of the shot attempts and 51.9% of the scoring chances with Schlemko. Without Schlemko the Devils’ 5 v 5 numbers go from respectable to horrible as 49.1% dips to 45% and 51.9% drops to 45.6%.
Schlemko hasn’t just made an impact at full-strength, though.
On the man advantage the Devils average more shot attempts and scoring chances per 60 minutes with Schlemko on the ice than any other defenseman.
Players on their entry-level deals aside, players making less than a million dollars generally don’t make much of an impact. The same can not be said about Schlemko.