The New Jersey Devils have a desperate need on the top line of their defense. They lost out to the New York Rangers for former Winnipeg Jets player Jacob Trouba.
For weeks, there had been whispers that Ray Shero and the New Jersey Devils were in on Jacob Trouba. Maybe it was just people connecting dots because the Devils have a desperate need for another defender and Trouba wants a ton of money, which the Devils have. Then, over the past few days those whispers have felt like screams. More and more rumors tied the Devils to the Jets in trade talks.
Well, that ship has sailed across the Hudson River.
The New York Rangers acquired Jacob Trouba for Neal Pionk and the 20th overall pick in Friday’s NHL Draft. So, yeah. The Devils biggest rivals just got the piece they should have wanted most for a very fair return. In fact, it’s pretty clear the Rangers won this trade.
This is the second straight time the Rangers and Jets have traded and the Rangers look like they came out the winner. They gave up a 1st-round pick for Kevin Hayes. Does Kevin Cheveldayoff secretly root for the Rangers? He sustained a career-ending injury while playing in the minor leagues for the New York Islanders. Did his disdain for his club make him root for their cross-town rivals?
Either way, it’s pretty clear that the Jets were steadfast in wanting a 1st-round pick in the deal for Trouba. Neil Pionk had a terrible season and is already 23 years old. The upside is not great with that player, yet they traded a legitimate top-line defenseman for him and a pick.
Was it really 1st pick or nothing for Winnipeg? The Devils have some very interesting prospects that have 1st-round upside. Plus, they’ll be ready for the NHL quicker than the 20th-overall pick. Was it really that simple that Kevin Cheveldayoff was only in for the 1st-round pick?
It feels like the Devils lost out here. They had the chance to get a legitimate number one, something that could make them overnight contenders when you add Jack Hughes, Jesper Boqvist and Ty Smith to the equation. This is the “talent” that certain players on the team was looking for. Now, that talent will play you five times a year minimum.