NHL Trade Deadline
What I’m Hearing on the Devils Trade Deadline One Night Before
The New Jersey Devils trade deadline got a lot more interesting after the Jack Hughes injury. Here’s the latest.
Just four days ago, no one thought the New Jersey Devils would be in the position they’re in. When Jack Hughes crashed into the end-boards in Vegas, a collective gasp was heard coming out of the state of New Jersey as Devils fans watched in horror. Unfortunately, it was as we all expected. Hughes’ season is over. By the time playoffs rolls around, he won’t be there either. Yet, playoffs is still the goal, and that’s why the Devils remain buyers.
MORE: How Hughes’ Season-Ending Surgery Impacts the Devils’ Trade Deadline
On Thursday morning, a surprise Devils trade saw New Jersey net Brian Dumoulin from the Anaheim Ducks. It wasn’t surprising in the sense that they bought a defenseman early. The Devils reportedly were looking for one after Jonas Siegenthaler was placed on long-term injured reserve. It was more surprising that no one had Dumoulin connected to New Jersey, and there was word the Ducks might keep him for their attempt at getting into the postseason.
Perhaps, that’s why Dumoulin’s price tag was a second round pick and a prospect (Herman Traff), a price many thought was too high.
The Devils must like Dumoulin’s fit for the rest of this season, even if the pending free agent is only a rental.
There is the Dougie Hamilton injury, too. However, he’s seemingly a short-term absence, and they feel that’s something they can weather.
Now, the focus turns to forward, where general manager Tom Fitzgerald was seeking a Devils trade for a center even before Hughes was injured. Now, a source tells New Jersey Hockey Now the Devils are potentially looking at two adds to the forward group.
The Devils are doing their due diligence. They’re scouring all the potential top available players. They’ve expressed interest in the likes of Mikko Rantanen, Brock Nelson, Ryan O’Reilly, and Brock Boeser.
No one knows what the New York Islanders are going to do right now. Reports are that Lou Lamoriello is still trying to sign both Nelson and Kyle Palmieri which could be holding up the market.
The Devils have expressed interest in both Islander players.
The aforementioned are just a few top names we know about. Certainly, there are others the Devils are contemplating.
As for depth forwards, Ryan Donato is another player they continue to contemplate as they navigate how they want to look by 3:01 on Friday afternoon.
New Jersey has $9,825,000 available in deadline cap space as of Thursday.
One thing is for sure. The Devils—who sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division—will not wave the white flag.
The Ducks retaining 50% of Dumoulin’s contract is telling that there are more moves coming. The Devils are out to prove they’re not just Jack Hughes and a supporting cast. It’s important to them that they get into the playoffs, continue to give their young roster experience, and the team believes they’re not just a one round and done roster.
For a team that can still ice solid defense, top tier goaltending, and forwards such as Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier, that’s certainly a fair belief.
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