New Jersey Devils: 5 Defensive Prospect To Target In Trades

Mattias Samuelsson – Buffalo Sabres

Mattias Samuelsson is one of the better defensive defenseman prospects in the NHL, which usually doesn’t come with as much value as their offensive counterparts. This could help the Devils get a very important piece for their future without having to give up an asset at the level of Palmieri.

The Sabres are in a bad way next season. They only have four forwards under contract next season. One was the recently acquired Eric Staal. Another is the $6 million Kyle Okposo. The other two is a $10 million Jack Eichel (totally worth it) and a $9 million Jeff Skinner (much less worth it). For those looking for help with the math, that’s $28+ million for four forwards. It’s one thing to have that when other established NHLers are already under contract. It’s another thing when literally there’s no one else. Even with the re-signing of their restricted free agents, the Sabres just need NHL-ready talent.

Samuelsson had a good season while playing in the NCAA last season, getting honorable mention honors for Defenseman of the Year while with Western Michigan. He just signed his entry-level deal, so the Sabres might have a future for him. However, that was done under the previous regime. The current GM has a lot of work to do with this roster, and he could be willing to make Samuelsson available for some young, NHL-ready forwards. The Devils have a plethora of those they can make available.