New Jersey Devils: Assessing CapFriendly Trades Before Trade Deadline

Kyle Palmieri is the prize for the Devils this season. They reportedly tried to get a deal done before it became clear they needed to trade him, but it seems like they are pretty far apart on a contract. This means that a trade is likely impending, so enjoy Palmieri in a Devils uniform while we still can. Could they find an agreement in the offseason and reunite after a trade? Sure, it’s possible, but that only happens on rare occasions, and they usually go back to teams that are traditional contenders.

The Devils are looking to say goodbye to a really good player who’s having a down season. There were reports they were looking for two 1st-round picks in the offseason, but that’s not his value now. Is it possible to get one 1st rounder in a weak draft that nobody has been able to scout? Yeah, but they are probably in better shape going for a prospect and 2nd-round pick since there’s a little more of a guarantee there.

This deal proposed by CapFriendly user Allghilliedup88 makes some sense. The Devils need to add to their defensive prospects since none of them have stood out except for Ty Smith. Reilly Walsh, Bahl, and Michael Vukojevic have been fine in Binghamton, but the team has been awful on the actual defense thing this season.

It makes sense to take a chance on Bode Wilde. Now that Oliver Wahlstrom has graduated to the NHL, he’s probably their best prospect. That doesn’t make him a great prospect, as the Islanders pool is weak. However, he has a ton of upside. He has pretty good size and he has an impressive skill set. He’s never been able to really put things together, but he could be someone who can flip a switch and be really good. The Devils would be smart to take a chance on him and then add a 2nd-round pick.