The New Jersey Devils took part in one of the biggest trades of this NHL season so far that included fan favorite Adam Henrique. I️t also included the Devils receiving a much needed minute-eating blue-liner. There are many things to look at with this trade.
First of all, losing such a good New Jersey Devils player in Adam Henrique stings. Yes, he was a good forward, but more than that he was the embodiment of what i️t means to be a Devil. He was a smart player who was great in the locker room and on the ice. Adam Henrique scored the single biggest goal in my memory for the Devils in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I️ can still recite word for word Doc Emrick’s call of that goal as I’m sure many of you can as well.
Looking at strictly the on-ice play of the players in this trade, I️ believe the Devils made out in a huge way. Henrique ended up moving around the lineup going from the third and second line. This was not his best offensive season to date by any means.
Sami Vatanen is a young defenseman with loads of upside. This is the guy the New Jersey Devils needed if they wanted to be serious contenders this season. He’s not a huge offensive defenseman, however that’s not what the Devils need. They have plenty of those in Will Butcher, John Moore, and Damon Severson. Vatanen is an intelligent defender who makes smart moves with the puck. Like I️ said earlier, he eats up a lot of minutes as well. The Devils desperately needed a defenseman like Vatanen who can be reliable in their own end.
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Overall I️ like what this trade says about the future of this New Jersey Devils team. I️t tells me that Ray Shero is all in for this season. He believes in the team he has put together and I️ think we should too. Our offensive depth does not take too much of a hit losing Henrique, as unfortunate as i️t is. They are also getting Marcus Johansson back, which can a upgrade from Henrique. Our defensive core gets an immense upgrade, especially considering Vatanen has two more years on his contract after this season.
In my eyes, this trade is a victory for the Devils. It’s exactly what they needed to be the real deal the rest of this season. Although it’s hard to stomach the loss of fan favorite Adam Henrique, I️ believe Devils fans should be very excited about what is to come.