New Jersey Devils: Should They Buy Or Sell On The Trade Market

The talk that New Jersey Devils management should be having is whether or not they should be buyers or sellers. One could make the argument for both situations. The question at hand; which direction should they lean towards?

If the Devils were to become sellers, that would mean giving up a top-10 talent in order to acquire upgrades for the future. If they keep winning, do you really want to disrupt the the developing chemistry between the players? From afar, it seems the team must upgrade defensively to be complete, which is probably the right move to make.

Through 19 games, the Devils find themselves 6 points behind the Flyers for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. To compete and be successful in the long run, the move the New Jersey Devils need to make is selling while buying.

The number one questions is “what in the world are you going to do with the Taylor Hall‘s contract situation?”. If they were able to secure him long-term in season, then the Devils should try and upgrade the defensive group. When Sami Vatanen comes back from injury, they will have a solid top-four defensive unit. It is still early enough in the season to debate where to upgrade for this season. The New Jersey Devils should look to upgrade the defensive unit.

Establishing a strong defensive core would go a long way to building a successful team. From the looks of it, Mackenzie Blackwood will be the Devils long-term starting goaltender. He has had a strong season, even with very shaky play in front of him. If the Devils were to acquire a defenseman to solidify the back end, the Devils can turn this season around.

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The possibility of losing Taylor Hall to free agency really forces the team’s hand. Devils fans want to keep him, but you cannot lose him for nothing in return. Trading Taylor Hall seems like an easy option because of the massive haul the team would expect to get in exchange for a player of his caliber. There is no telling if the New Jersey Devils would be better or worse without him. Unless you were getting an elite Defenseman and prospects, you would have to do your very best to keep him in New Jersey.

It is hard to argue which decision management should make, that is why Ray Shero is in charge. The trade magician himself has done just that in acquiring Taylor Hall in the first place. This gives fans the belief that if Ray Shero lets him walk, it would leave a sour taste in his mouth along with the fan base. The New Jersey Devils are likely going to be very aggressive in upgrading this team in any way to keep Taylor Hall.

All signs thus far point to upgrading the 3rd defensive unit. The New Jersey Devils have a very trustworthy five defenseman in Damon Severson, P.K. Subban, Will Butcher, Andy Greene and a healthy Sami Vatanen. Past them, you have Mirco Mueller and Matt Tennyson who have struggled immensely against teams with superior players. Then, Connor Carrick when he eventually comes back from a broken finger.

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The Devils should be willing to give up a mid-round draft selection and prospects in order to acquire a defenseman. Offensively, we really have not had any major concerns other then an inconsistent power-play, so the priority has to be defense. The deck of cards Shero has been dealt could lead to multiple different scenarios.

In the end, it all points to acquiring a Defenseman for this season and the future. This group has a lot of promise, but missing just a piece or two. The New Jersey Devils should be willing to sell in order to buy before the trade deadline. This should provide a stronger team now and solidify the future. The New Jersey Devils are in phenomenal hands and no matter which direction they go, they are going to be exciting to watch for years to come.

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