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New Jersey Devils Trade Partner: Ottawa Senators

By Nick Villano

OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 7: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators controls the puck against Travis Zajac #19 of the New Jersey Devils at Canadian Tire Centre on February 7, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Francois Laplante/NHLI via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 7: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators controls the puck against Travis Zajac #19 of the New Jersey Devils at Canadian Tire Centre on February 7, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Francois Laplante/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils could go for the big fish this offseason in Erik Karlsson. It will cost a ton, but it’s for possibly the best player in the league.

The New Jersey Devils were at one point tied to the Ottawa Senators star defenseman Erik Karlsson. It was a complete speculation, but the NHL Network talked about the Devils trading Damon Severson, Mike McLeod, Pavel Zacha and two first-round picks for Karlsson. That’s still a ton for Karlsson, but would GM Ray Shero say no?

At this point, I think he pulls the trigger on that deal. Yes, that’s essentially four first-round picks and a very good 23-year-old defenseman for one player, but that player is the best in the league according to some analysts.

Honestly, I think Shero would tweak the deal a little bit if he were able to make it. They would have to trade the two first-round picks. It’s just an inevitable cost to this trade. That’s just the start.

Severson is the next most likely addition to this deal. We said it before, he’s just 23 years old, and he earned a six-year deal last offseason.

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Here’s where things could change a little bit. Zacha’s value is at an all-time low. He had two straight disappointing seasons. He’s at best an add on to this deal, and a former sixth-overall pick should be more than that.

I can see the Devils offering Mikey McLeod and John Quenneville instead. The Senators still get two NHL-ready centers, who could also contribute on the wing if necessary. They both have their best years ahead of them.

I think that deal could end with both teams leaving happy. The Devils get the best player in the league, while the Senators get a package that builds to the future. New Jersey then has a whole year to try and sign Karlsson long term. That will cost another arm and a leg. Again, if it makes the Devils instant Stanley Cup contenders, then it is worth it. This is an anomaly that Karlsson is available. If the Devils have a chance to pounce, they should.

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