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The Devils would be wise to pursue Ken Hitchcock, whose contract with the St. Louis Blues expires this summer. (Jasen Vinlove | USA TODAY Sports)

NEWARK — What do the Devils have to accomplish this summer to become a playoff team?

Here are six offseason moves that could begin turning the team around:

1. Keep Scott Stevens

As a co-coach, he did a solid job with the team's defense, particularly with Adam Larsson. Stevens fits perfectly with the team's longtime philosophy of defense-first, but he also knows how to get offense out of the D-men. Is he ready to become the head coach? Perhaps, but why rush him?

2. Hire Ken Hitchcock as head coach

Sure, the St. Louis Blues were knocked out in the first round, but he is one of the game's top coaches. His defensive strengths won't be too much of a shock to Lou Lamoriello's system. There are many who felt Hitchcock, whose contract expires this summer, should have been hired instead of Pete DeDoer several years back.

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3. Bring in an assistant general manager

It's time. Lamoriello needs help and there are some top people out there. Can they get Pat Verbeek with a promise that he would succeed Lamoriello in a year or two? Would Martin Brodeur be heard if he came in and took the job? What about Claude Loiselle, a solid hockey man? Admittedly, it's a job many might not want.

4. Close the book on Ryane Clowe

Doctors are likely to decide that the left winger is no longer physically able to play because of his multiple concussions. That would allow insurance to kick on on Clowe's contract. It might not be a bad idea, if Clowe were so inclined, to add him to the Devils' coaching staff.

5. Re-sign forwards Scott Gomez and Jordin Tootoo

This seems like a no-brainer, since both earned contracts on tryouts and performed well. Gomez is a playmaker the Devils desperately need and Tootoo became a respected force on and off the ice. Here's the sticking point: Both will likely want more than one-year contracts.

6. Trade for some offense

They'll have to dip into their depth on defense and part with at least one young defenseman if they are putting together a package for a trade. Eric Gelinas seems to be the most likely to be traded. In reality, there isn't a single defenseman on the team who is untouchable if the right deal is out there.

Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook.