New Jersey Devils Make Deadline Move Acquiring Patrick Maroon

Ray Shero struck at the final minute adding some much needed left-wing depth for the New Jersey Devils.  A 2019 3^rd round pick and prospect JD Dudek went to Edmonton as part of the deal.

I wouldn’t say this deal signifies the New Jersey Devils are all in, but it certainly shows GM Ray Shero expects this team to make a significant push.

Patrick Maroon has spent a significant amount of time playing alongside Connor McDavid this year, and has looked great doing so (as just about anyone would).  Given Jesper Bratt’s recent struggles, Maroon could slide in next to Pavel Zacha and Miles Wood.

He could be the net front presence that line needs.  Zacha and Wood have shown proficiency at getting the puck to the net but have had issues burying it.  Maroon could be the player that line needs and will allow Kyle Palmieri to continue playing on the 1^st line.

The Devils made some serious additions in the secondary scoring department this trade deadline.  Adding Michael Grabner provides one of the best 5v5 scorers in the NHL over the past two years. He will likely spend time on the 3^rd line.  Maroon will find himself on the RW in the middle six.

This allows rookie Jesper Bratt to play on the 3^rd line where he can attempt to regain his confidence after his recent struggles.

Maroon is a former 6^th round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, who’s posted career best numbers the past two years in Edmonton.  He was a siginificant contributor in Edmonton’s playoff run last year posting 8 points in 13 games.

Maroon is a UFA after this year and carries a cap hit of $1.5 million.  At 29, re-signing Maroon is a good option for the Devils.  It seems likely they’ll let Drew Stafford walk in free agency.

I’d imagine Maroon is ready to go tomorrow and the Devils lines will look something like this:

Hall-Nico-Palms

Wood-Zacha-Maroon

Grabner-Zajac-Bratt

Coleman-Boyle-Noesen

Next: New Jersey Devils: How Much Will It Take To Re-Sign Michael Grabner?

Just as we all expected, Ray Shero made an unexpected move and provided a huge boost to this Devils team for their stretch run.  We’ll see how it plays out but I personally think this was a great move.