New Jersey Devils Trade Possibilities
There have been many New Jersey Devils trade possibilities floating around about possible moves that General Manager Lou Lamoriello could make before the 3:00pm April, 3rd trade deadline. Will the Devils be buyers? Sellers? Or remain the way they are? Here is my input:
Keep in mind that these possibilities will most likely not happen, but they would benefit the Devils and actually make sense if you think about them.
Buyers:
With Jaromir Jagr being shipped off to Boston, the Devils are seeing their possible trade partners dwidling.
A player I would love to see the Devils trade for is Paul Stastny. Now many people may hear the name and say this is insane, the Colorado Avalanche would never make this move. However, it makes complete sense. Stastny is a 27-year-old center that has a steep salary of $6,600,000. With roughly $11,000,000 of open cap space for the Devils, they would be willing to make a trade. Mar 23, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Paul Stastny (26) waits for the face-off in the Dallas Stars zone during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Avalanche 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports With the Signing of Ryan O’Reilly, Stastny is a third line center on the team, and for a team to have a 6.6 million dollar third line center is absurd. Stastny has the skill set to be a top center for an NHL club, including the Devils. He also has another year remaining on his contract, which is appealing. The Devils could ship out one or more of their young defensive prospects, which the Avs are lacking, and a draft pick. This would be a great pickup for the Devils.
Another Possibility is obtaining draft picks. The Devils are in need of more offensive firepower, don’t get me wrong, but with Zubrus coming back and Kovalchuk returning in time for playoffs, the Devils could look to bolster their draft class in 2013. The 2013 draft is being held at the Prudential Center, and the Devils would love to make more appearances in the earlier rounds.
Honorable Mention – Buffalo Sabres, Tyler Ennis and Jason Pominville. Signing Jussi Jokinen. Lastly, Florida Panthers Thomas Fleischmann.
Sellers:
Defense! The Devils need to trade away a defenseman. There is not a need to keep eight defenseman on the roster, all who could play on any NHL roster. Call me crazy, but I would trade Adam Larsson. He has not shown much, but could blossom into a star with time, however, I think he was rushed into the league. Larsson would attract plenty of teams and get some great returns. Andy Greene is another option. Greene, 30, is a great defenseman, who could benefit a team down the stretch. March 29, 2013; Tampa FL, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky (2) skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Tampa Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Fayne and Henrik Tallinder are other options. Fayne is a young defenseman who is talented, has a good shot, size, and positioning. He would definitely get interest. Tallinder will probably not get much in return, but it may be worth dumping his contract. Anton Volchenkov should not go in my opinion, he is the only Devils defenseman who actually hits people. Hense the nickname “A-Train”. Lastly, Marek Zidlicky is unfortunately, most likely not going to be shipped out New Jersey. He is too important to the Devils powerplay, but does not have any defensive benefit.
Takers for these defenseman are Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets.
Anyone who would take Mattias Tedenby or Jacob Josefson would be a hero. Neither prospect has bloomed, but both have shown potential. Changes in scenery may help the young forwards turn into the great players they strive to be.
No more draft picks should be on the move unless the Devils are getting a star. The 2013 draft is going to be everyone else but the Devils if they continue to move draft picks.
David Clarkson being moved should not be left out of the equation. After a hot start of the season, Clarkson has had minimal productivity and will be a UFA this offseason. Clarky will most definitely want a pay raise and could be more than the Devils are willing to give him. The Toronto Maple Leafs wants him as he would love to return to his home town. Mar 14, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey native James van Riemsdyk (21) tries to get a shot on Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) at the Air Canada Centre. Pittsburgh defeated Toronto 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY SportsThe Maple Leafs’ James Van Riemsdyk could be great in return for Clarkson. JVR was raised in New Jersey and is also a solid forward.
The truth is that the Devils are in dire need of a big change. With so much room in the cap for this season the Devils would be crazy to not make a deal with someone. If it comes at the right price, expect to see the Devils use some of that cap space to make another playoff run.