New Jersey Devils: 5 Players To Target At Trade Deadline

Eric Staal

This one has the feel of a more traditional trade deadline deal. The Buffalo Sabres might not be so willing to help out the Devils after a COVID outbreak spread between the two teams, but hopefully they see this was more the NHL’s fault than anyone. If that becomes water under the bridge, this makes a lot of sense.

Some might want to have a reunion with former star Taylor Hall, who signed a one-year, $8 million deal in the offseason. He went there to win with the Sabres, but they haven’t. He’s also been less than stellar on the scoresheet. That’s why the Devils shouldn’t even consider him based on what his cost is going to be.

Eric Staal makes a lot more sense for the Devils. Despite his advanced age, Staal just fits better into what the Devils will be looking for at the deadline. His price won’t be so high, since it only cost the Sabres Marcus Johanssen in the offseason to get him, and he can contribute on any line.

Staal has three goals and five points this season. That isn’t anything to go home about, but it’s not like he isn’t producing at all. This Sabres team seems like they just can’t get anything going in any aspect of the game. Staal has shown in the past that he can contribute, and he may not be happy in Buffalo after a surprise trade in the offseason. Maybe a change of scenery is exactly what he needs. What could it possibly cost? It cannot be much because the Sabres don’t really have a leg to stand on when it comes to value.