New Jersey Devils Can’t Replace What Sami Vatanen Brings On and Off The Ice
Two seasons ago, the New Jersey Devils acquired a skilled, right-handed, puck-moving defenseman in Sami Vatanen. Recognizing his team needed an upgrade on the backend, Devils’ general manager Ray Shero shipped fan-favorite Adam Henrique along with Joe Blandisi and a 3rd-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft to the Anaheim Ducks for Vatanen. Eventually, the Devils got another 3rd-round pick back when Henrique re-signed. The deal has been good for both sides, but with Vatanen entering the final year of his contract, should he be in the mix as part of the Devils future?
At the time of the trade, New Jersey was off to a surprising start and would eventually qualify for the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. From a hockey perspective, the deal was a no-brainer and one that was destined to benefit the team in the present and for the future. Two seasons later, and despite a promising offseason, the Devils are floundering and not quite ready to contend for a playoff spot. What direction Shero decides to go from here will undoubtedly determine the futures of Vatanen and fellow unrestricted free agents Taylor Hall and Wayne Simmonds.
While Hall gets all of the headlines, Vatanen should be just as, if not more, important to New Jersey’s fans as the former league MVP.
Vatanen is going to draw interest from contending teams looking to bolster their defense for a playoff run, especially if the Devils continue to struggle. The Devils will take phone calls and Shero could get a decent return, but don’t be convinced trading Vatanen is the best option for this team.
Drafted in the 4th round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Ducks, Vatanen’s been one of the few bright spots on the blueline when healthy. The 28 year old was limited to just 50 games a season ago, and he struggled to find consistency in his game. This season he’s been relatively healthy and he’s getting much better results.
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On the ice, Vatanen and Andy Greene are the only Devils’ defenders with a positive plus/minus rating, he’s second on the team in shots by a defenseman, and he’s averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time per game. Vatanen’s second on the team in chances for (51.2%) at even strength, and he’s been on ice for the fewest chances against among players averaging more than 15 minutes a game. Now, he’s quarterbacking the first power-play unit, which is showing marked improvement since the start of the season. Simply put, he’s been the steadying force on the blueline this team has lacked for years.
The real beauty of a player like Vatanen is that his worth goes far beyond his on-ice production.
Off the ice, Vatanen was loved and adored in Anaheim. His departure left a noticeable void. That same affection and admiration by the fans in the Golden State carried over to the fans in the Garden State. Sami’s infectious smile, affable demeanor, and overall presence would be sorely missed throughout the Devils organization if he were traded away. Vatanen is one of the rare players that equally affect a team for the best on and off the ice.
Anytime a player of Vatanen’s ilk solidifies a positive team culture while making the team better on the ice, there isn’t an asset out there worth trading that combo for. Shero would be wise to think twice before doing something that he and the Devils would regret in the long run.