On occasion, teams will find hidden gems with these professional tryouts and they may contribute greatly during the season. For the New Jersey Devils, that hidden gem this season has been forward Lee Stempniak.
After not being signed during this past summer, Lee Stempniak was given a chance by the Devils to earn an NHL contract with his eighth team. He showed that he wanted it in training camp and the preseason, and just like that, the Devils signed him and had a new forward in the mix.
For some fans, the signing of a journeyman veteran like Stempniak was disappointing, as it took away the possible playing time at the pro level for a young forward on a rebuilding team.