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Ranking Every New Jersey Devils Trade Deadline Since Ilya Kovalchuk Trade

By Nick Villano

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 09: Lou Lamoriello addresses the fans during the former New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur jersey retirement ceremony before the game between the New Jersey Devils and the Edmonton Oilers on 9, 2016 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 09: Lou Lamoriello addresses the fans during the former New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur jersey retirement ceremony before the game between the New Jersey Devils and the Edmonton Oilers on 9, 2016 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Michael Grabner #40 of the New Jersey Devils (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) /

8. 2018 NHL Trade Deadline

Most probably think this one should be lower, even though it’s already near the bottom of the list, but the Devils got Pat Maroon for a 3rd-round pick, and he absolutely helped them make the playoffs. The Devils liked what he did so much, they made major moves trying to get him to sign a long-term contract. He ended up winning back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships with the Blues and the Lightning. He provides a lot, and getting him for a 3rd-round pick was a huge move.

The issues with this deadline are obvious. It’s Michael Grabner. The Devils made their first trade ever with hated rival the New York Rangers. It sent defensive prospect Yegor Rykov and a 2nd-round pick to the Rangers. Grabner was having a good season, but he was going to be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

Grabner was awful in New Jersey. After scoring 25 goals in 59 games in New York, he was only able to score two in 21 games going into the playoffs. He was a healthy scratch in three of the Devils five games against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs. His speed wasn’t unleashed in John Hynes system, and he never really worked with this unit.

Shero was smart to hold on to his 1st-round pick. That ended up being defenseman Ty Smith, who is now the core piece on the defense alongside Damon Severson. Smith has the highest upside, and he could be a top-line player for the next decade. So, when looking at the return Tomas Tatar got and the return the Rangers got for J.T. Miller and Ryan McDonagh, it shows that 1st-round picks were desired and the Devils didn’t budge. That in of itself saves the deadline along with the Maroon deal. It’s still overall not a great situation.

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