DitD & Open Post - 7/22/26: Roster Crunch Edition

PHILADELPHIA , PA - APRIL 22: Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha #39 looks on during game three of the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburg Penguins on April 22nd, 2026 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesHere are your links for today:Devils LinksThe Devils appear to be headed toward a roster crunch: “They have 15 players who have either spent real time playing an everyday role at the NHL level, or players who require waivers to be sent down. Let’s take a rough look at the depth chart to get a feel for where things stand.” [Infernal Access ($)]“While the offseason probably isn’t over yet, we’ve seen enough from Mehta to confirm that he would take a different approach to improving the Devils’ roster. Thankfully, there’s been a much-needed influx of skill and goal-scoring capability that should better suit the Devils’ core.” [Devils on the Rush]NHL.com’s look at where the Devils stand in preparation for the 2026-2027 regular season: [NHL.com]Hockey LinksThe Stars sign Jason Robertson to a one-year deal:Dallas announces it has signed Jason Robertson1 year, $12MHe will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, but is eligible to sign an extension Jan 1 https://t.co/mpuS1T3dr2— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 22, 2026John Marino gets an eight-year deal:Word is that John Marino, who was to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, is closing in on an 8x$6.75M extension with the Utahns— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 21, 2026“The Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes are one of four teams that will have their game telecasts produced and distributed by the NHL for the upcoming season. The league announced Tuesday that the Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues will also have local broadcasts done by NHL Productions when the season begins in late September.” [Associated Press]“Would another NHL expansion draft dilute the rest of the league too much? Is it even possible to build a competitive roster through that process in today’s NHL? With the NHL in the exploratory phases of expanding to either Austin or Houston, those questions could actually get answered. Today, we’re going to test the waters to get an early gauge of what a 33rd team could realistically look like.” [The Athletic ($)]Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.