How the Elias Lindholm Trade Affects the Devils (+)

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On Wednesday night, the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks struck on the first blockbuster NHL trade of the 2023-24 season. The Canucks ponied up and pulled the trigger on an Elias Lindholm trade, sending Andrei Kuzmenko, a first-round pick, Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, a 2024 first-round pick, and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick to the Calgary Flames. Now that the Flames – Canucks trade is finalized, how does this affect the New Jersey Devils?

The Canucks are firmly in playoff position at the top of the Pacific Division and Western Conference. The Flames, however, are still in the playoff hunt, yet sit five points out of the Wild Card with 33 games remaining in the regular season.

It’s not a surprise to see the Canucks as buyers. However, the Flames seemingly have made their choice. They already sold Nikita Zadorov. Now, they’ve doubled down on the notion. Despite the Devils’ inconsistencies this season, Calgary are sellers, and New Jersey will be buyers.