5 Players New Jersey Devils Could Get in “Hockey Trades”
By Mike Luci
Joel Armia (RW), Montreal Canadiens
Like McCabe, Joel Armia is still relatively young at 26-years old, and is under contract until 2021. Armia is readied to set new career-highs in goals and points this season. The Habs seem to do well in categories like goals for (GF/60) per and expected goals (xGF/60) per 60 minutes, along with Corsi-For (CF/60) per 60 minutes when he’s on the ice during the power play, as shown in this chart.
In addition, Armia’s percentages are well above 50 in Corsi-For (52.19), Fenwick (50.94), and on-net shots (50.78) at five-on-five. Simply put, good things happen when Armia is on the ice. Armia is also a natural right wing, and his 130 shots would be second-most on the roster, giving a coveted boost in that category.
With Montreal’s playoff hopes quickly fading, they may see the trade deadline as a chance to retool their roster. Armia could be had for a young defenseman, since the Hab’s blue line needs improvement. A simple one-for-one deal that sends Will Butcher back to Montreal might do the trick. With the Devils, Armia could serve as a second or third line right wing, while getting ample power play time. If he continues building on the momentum garnered this season, Armia may very well establish himself as a top-six forward going into next season.