The New Jersey Devils could be in the market for Johnny Gaudreau and it might take trades like this.
For a long time now, the New Jersey Devils have been connected to Johnny Gaudreau. There have been “trade package” articles before, but those have to be updated because of the new developments that have happened since then. Before the bubble happened because of COVID-19, Johnny Hockey was having a down year. Even in a down year, he would have been the best player on the Devils, so any trade is still something to consider if you’re New Jersey.
There is also the possibility that he is something close to his best if he is traded over to the team that plays in his home state. At his best, Gaudreau is one of the best offensive players in the league. He had 99 points last season. The year prior, he had 24 goals and 60 assists for 84 points in 80 games. It was down this year as he had 18 goals and 40 assists for 58 points in 70 games. If he can get back on track going forward, and at 27 years old it is possible, he would be a phenomenal addition to this Devils team.
One thing that scares a lot of Devils fans is the fact that he only has two years left on his deal. It would be tough to see him become a free agent two years after trading good prospects or picks to get him. That is a concern but that also lowers the trade price since the last time we went over this.
If he came to the Devils, he would certainly be in the top-six playing with one of Nico Hischier or Jack Hughes. Hischier probably would be the best fit as Hughes is similar to Gaudreau in terms of being a pass-first guy. With a kid like Hischier, it would have a chance to be a really good two-way line for the Devils. These are the three packages that could be put together by the Devils to acquire Johnny Gaudreau: