Devils Facilitating Chris Tanev Trade a Positive for New Jersey

It’s not the trade fans thought they’d see go down between the New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames. However, facilitating the trade with the Dallas Stars is a positive for the Devils.

Chris Tanev was ultimately dealt from the Flames to the Stars, however, made a quick stop in New Jersey as the Devils retained 25% of his salary. The Flames received a Dallas 2024 second-round pick, a conditional 2026 third-round pick, and prospect Artem Grushnikov.

The Devils received Dallas’ 2026 fourth-round pick for brokering the deal. The Devils also traded the rights to unsigned draft choice goaltender Cole Brady to Calgary.

Who had a trade between the Devils and Flames ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline not involving Jacob Markstrom on their bingo card? Who also had Tanev becoming a Devil for about 30 seconds before being traded away?

Not many.

MUST READ: Jacob Markstrom Waived No-Move Clause to Join Devils Before Deal Fell Through

However, brokering the Tanev trade certainly helps the Devils moving forward.

Recent reports have suggested that the Flames have decided to hang onto Markstrom. We’ll see what that means by this time next week. There’s certainly the possibility that’s a negotiation tactic to drive up the asking price. However, it very well also could be something the Flames decided having won four straight games and within reach of playoff position.

The trade deadline is one week away. We’ll find out sooner rather than later.

Whether the Devils land Markstrom or not has no bearing on the good bit of business general manager Tom Fitzgerald pulled here.

First of all, the Devils are in a use-or-lose situation regarding defenseman Dougie Hamilton’s long-term injured reserve money. Therefore, by brokering the deal between the Flames and Stars, Fitzgerald netted himself an extra draft pick, collateral he can use in future deals whether that’s within the week or this summer.

Second, Fitzgerald proved the lines of communication between him and Flames general manager Craig Conroy are open. By doing so, Fitzgerald essentially did Conroy a favor, one that can and will be considered in potential future deals.

If, and when the trade deadline comes and goes, Markstrom very well may still be wearing the burning ‘C.’ However, just because Markstrom doesn’t end up a Devil by March 8th doesn’t necessarily mean the trade that fell through can’t be revised in the summer.

Time will tell, but Fitzgerald’s small involvement in the Tanev deal makes sense. He scratches Conroy’s back to maintain a healthy relationship with a potential future trade partner and he obtained an asset in the process that he can include in future deals.

Playing Broker doesn’t indicate that the Devils are folding on the season. Instead, Fitzgerald made a chess move in a game of checkers.

The trade deadline is seven days away. Let’s see if Fitzgerald has anything else up his sleeve.

For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.

Follow us on 𝕏:

@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL

And on Threads:

@JamesNicholsNHL