Ranking Every New Jersey Devils Trade Deadline Since Ilya Kovalchuk Trade
By Nick Villano
1. 2012 NHL Trade Deadline
It was one trade, but it was one of the most underrated trades in the history of the New Jersey Devils. They sent Kurtis Foster, Nick Palmieri, Stephane Veilleux, and two draft picks to the Minnesota Wild for Marek Zidlicky. He fit perfectly with this team and added a necessary offensive element to the blue line the Devils needed.
The Devils defense was led by a young Andy Greene, Bryce Salvador, and Henrik Tallinder. The highest point scorer was Adam Larsson, followed right behind him by Mark Fayne. They had 18 and 17 points at the end of the season, respectively. The power play needed an offensive presence who could play defense.
Zidlicky made it clear he wanted out of Minnesota. He was disgruntled with his role, and the Devils felt like a natural fit. He was willing to waive his no-move clause for a trade (obviously). So, Lou went and got his guy.
On paper, it looks like a haul for Minnesota when Zidlicky wanted out anyway, but look harder. Foster and Veilleux were both in the last year of their deal. Palmieri was supposed to play in the Devils top six, but he was downright terrible. He never made an impact in the NHL. The two picks turned into Raphael Bussieres and Eamon McAdam.
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Meanwhile, the Devils rode Zidlicky all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. He averaged a ridiculous 23:47 of ice time in the playoffs that season. He took 43 shots and put up nine points in 24 games. He was a steady presence on an interesting collection of defenders. This was the first time the Devils made the Stanley Cup Final without Scott Stevens or Scott Niedermayer. It doesn’t happen without Zidlicky on the back end.