Early Devils Trade Necessary? The Defense Has an Unexpected Problem

If there’s one thing we’ve learned on the New Jersey Devils’ latest road trip, it’s that their blueline is becoming exposed. With seemingly no internal solution, perhaps an early Devils trade is necessary.

Look, no one is sounding the alarm just yet. In fact, Devils fans should be encouraged by their start to the season. But, there’s nothing wrong with having the proper foresight.

The Devils headed west without the services of veteran stalwart defenseman, Brett Pesce, after he became injured against the Colorado Avalanche in their first meeting last week.

READ MORE: New Jersey Linked to Coveted Predators Forward in Potential Devils Trade

Coming into the 2025-26 season, the blueline was an area where general manager Tom Fitzgerald, like most, felt was a strength. The Devils have depth at the position, with NHL-ready defensemen that reached down into the American Hockey League level, with only seven spots available on the roster.

Plus, they’re waiting for Johnathan Kovacevic to return from offseason knee surgery.

However, without Pesce, the Devils recalled Seamus Casey and have relied on him or Dennis Cholowski to fill the void.

Despite the early indictions that Brad Shaw’s defensive structure was resonating with the Devils, recent history is showing they just might not have the horses to uphold his system.

The problem right now appears to be that New Jersey has too much of the same kind of player. With Pesce—a defensive defenseman—out of commission, the options of Casey and Cholowski as replacements specialize in puck transition and offense.

As for asking an already regular defenseman to step up in Pesce’s place, those have been tough shoes to fill.

Simon Nemec has been inconsistent at best. There are nights where his aggressive nature has benefited the Devils, where he appears to defend well in his own and the neutral zone, while also providing in the offensive end of the ice.

Then, there are nights where he’s the direct result of a defensive breakdown and costing the Devils on the scoresheet.

To make matters worse, New Jersey’s next-best defensive defenseman, Jonas Siegenthaler, has not had a strong start to the season.

The once-reliable, steady stay at home presence who typically shut down the oppositions top players has become exposed. He’s losing his puck battles, finding himself out of position often, and is struggling with the tough assignments. Typically paired with Dougie Hamilton, who has been better this season, but is still not a noted defensive stalwart, makes for a duo that’s tough to trust in big minutes.

Luke Hughes has been fine, but is good for a blunder or two per game as he continues to bud into true No.1 defenseman form.

It appears the only defenseman who has stepped things up in Pesce’s absence is Brenden Dillon. However, the 34-year-old defenseman can’t do it all on his own.

So, where dot he Devils go from here?

Sheldon Keefe is searching for the right pairings. He’s mixed and matched in Pesce’s absence, but an answer has been hard to come by, again, due to the kind of defensemen the Devils are forced to turn to in the situation.

They don’t need an offensive, puck transitioner. They need someone to keep their own zone safe.

Asking another defenseman in Utica, such as Ethan Edwards or Mikael Diotte doesn’t pose a solution. It’s not so different from asking Casey, who at least has some NHL experience, to at least be adequate.

Perhaps, the Devils need to look for outside help. A smaller move that will shore up the blueline both now, and when they return to full health.

Where do the Devils find said defenseman? It’s not such a simple answer. They can look to the Nashville Predators, who continue to spiral, and perhaps ask about the availability of Nicklaus Perbix, although he comes with two years left on his contract. Can Fitzgerald pry Vincent Desharnais out from the Bay Area in a Devils trade with the San Jose Sharks? Perhaps the Boston Bruins are toast, and Andrew Peeke can be had on an expiring deal.

The Devils lack depth of available defensive defensemen. Casey can be a fine NHL defenseman in the right role, but that’s not present right now. And Cholowski doesn’t have it in him to provide the defense necessary. It’s evident the Until Pesce and Kovacevic are back, the Devils will continue to be exposed without the right reinforcement.

Fitzgerald should try to get ahead of this one early with a Devils trade. The defense cannot thin out this quickly after just one injury.