Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils Rebuild Continues With No End In Sight

By Dave Browne

WINNIPEG, MB - NOVEMBER 5: Jack Hughes #86, Travis Zajac #19, Blake Coleman #20, Jesper Boqvist #90 and Nikita Gusev #97 of the New Jersey Devils look on from the bench during second period action against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on November 5, 2019 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Devils defeated the Jets 2-1 in the shootout. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - NOVEMBER 5: Jack Hughes #86, Travis Zajac #19, Blake Coleman #20, Jesper Boqvist #90 and Nikita Gusev #97 of the New Jersey Devils look on from the bench during second period action against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on November 5, 2019 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Devils defeated the Jets 2-1 in the shootout. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The rebuild for the New Jersey Devils has felt like a long, tumultuous and now seemingly never-ending story arc. The stars finally started to align for the Devils to field a competitive team, chopping at the bits to build a true contender sooner rather than later. Ray Shero inherited a team with little to no talent, only to build a roster years later consisting of three number one overall picks, a former MVP, and a former Norris Trophy winner. The Devils decided to build through the draft, utilize cap space and draft capital to take advantage of salary cap teams through shrewd trades and the complimentary free agent to help bridge the gap until they were truly ready to contend.

Ray Shero finally pushed his chips to go ‘all in’ this off-season to compliment the likes of Taylor Hall, Nico Hischier, Kyle Palmieri and prized rookie sensation Jack Hughes. The trades for P.K. Subban, Nikita Gusev and the low risk signing of Wayne Simmonds all but confirmed that Shero’s goal was to win soon. Signing Hall to an extension, which was probably his plan all along, seemed conceivable in the summer as long as the Devils proved that they could compete and his knee remained in tact. Hall, Hughes and Hischier is a dream core for just about any team, with the likes of P.K. Subban, Kyle Palmieri and Blake Coleman all formidable contributors for years to come, on top of young players oozing with talent.

Fast forward a few months later and the Devils find themselves in an unfathomable position of being near the bottom of the NHL standings that no one saw coming. The issues seem to run deeper than by axing former head coach John Hynes, but it was a move that had to be made nonetheless.

We will never know how this team was capable of playing in a system conducive to their skill set, which is frustrating to the fans. Needless to say, there will be player movement in lieu of the trade deadline.

Taylor Hall is an asset that will fetch the largest return in a trade should Shero ultimately decide to do so. It would be great to see Hall finish out his career in New Jersey, but given his desire to win and his status to walk away freely on July 1st if he chooses too, the franchise could not risk losing him for nothing. Defenseman Sami Vatanen and rugged winger Wayne Simmonds appear likely to be on the way out for a few draft picks. Life long Devil Andy Greene may even be dealt to a contender for depth purposes.

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Things get tricky following the 2020-21 season when fan favorite Kyle Palmieri, Nikita Gusev, Travis Zajac and Blake Coleman all become unrestricted free agents. Zajac could be had for the cheapest if the Devils decide to bring him back, with Palmieri, Coleman and presumably Gusev all looking to get paid in what will be their last big pay day as NHLers. Will it be wise to sign those players to big contracts if the Devils are not legitimate contenders for the forseeable future?

There seems to be a lot more questions than answers in terms of the Devils’ future. With the exception of Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and banking on the talents of Jesper Boqvist and Ty Smith. One has to wonder what direction the team is headed in.

I genuinely believe in Shero’s process, but the soon to be trades of mainstay players for prospects/picks more than likely extends the rebuild. Devils fans have been patient for a majority of Shero’s tenure, but one has to wonder how much longer fans will be patient. Death, taxes, and rebuilding seemingly are the only guarantees in life for a New Jersey Devils fan. Unfortunately, the team’s lottery good luck charm will not be around to solidify the Devils getting another number one overall pick.

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