The New Jersey Devils made a bold move when they traded fan-favorite Adam Henrique to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Sami Vatanen. With that said, he has come to New Jersey and been their best overall defenseman since arriving. Chances are, the Devils do not make the playoffs in 2017-18 if there was no Vatanen trade so they owe him for that. If he is not going to sign an extension before the deadline, it would be wise to move him.
He would be a really good second or third defenseman on a team that is capable of winning the Stanley Cup. A team might also pay a premium for him right now because he is playing some really good hockey. He can slot into any lineup on any pair and seemingly be effective. He currently has five goals and 17 assists for 22 points in 42 games for New Jersey. He has helped them out for the most part in all three zones. He has without question been the Devils’ best overall defenseman this season.
It would be sad to see him go, but he deserves his chance to win a Cup if he chooses. It would also be cool to see the Devils give him a chance to see this thing through. He battles every single night and a team might be willing to pay for that. If the Devils are offered some draft picks or prospects then this might be a good move.