New Jersey Devils Trade Deadline Preview: Who Should They Keep?

Players who should be moved

Pavel Zacha: The former 6th overall pick is only 24, but his time in Jersey seems to be coming to an end.

The relationship between Zacha and the Devils’ fanbase has been toxic from the start. Often ridiculed by fans because of his high draft selection and all the notable all-stars selected after him, Zacha hasn’t done much to clear himself of those complaints.

He hasn’t done much outside of last year’s covid-season, where Zacha led the team in points with 35 over 50 games. This season, it was expected that Zacha would take another step forward. Instead, he reverted to much of his older play style, inconsistency.

One game, Zacha will play like his salary is on the line, and for the rest of the week, you won’t even realize he’s playing. It’s one thing struggling to find consistency in your game. It’s another thing if the consistency results from not giving 100% effort.

Zacha’s not much of a hustler for loose pucks. Don’t expect him to win a puck battle or have a high-energy shift that’ll give the bench momentum.

The Devils need winners on this team if they expect to, of course, win games. The way to accomplish that is by snagging veterans who’ve won before, not giving roster spots to uninvested players.

There are a few teams interested in Zacha’s services: the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, and Washington Capitals. The talent is there; the drive in New Jersey isn’t.

NOTE: Zacha left Tuesday’s game against the Canucks due to a cross-check. The severity of the injury is unknown, but he missed Wednesday’s game against the Flames.

Damon Severson: Yes, I know what you’re thinking, didn’t this guy state at the beginning of this article the Devils shouldn’t move anyone who helps them win? Yes, and Severson definitely helps them win. But in a year from now? I’m not so sure.

Severson has been a rock on the Devils’ blue line, leading all players in time on ice for the last four seasons. He’s also enjoying a career year. Severson has 33 points in 57 games, which over 82 games, is good for a career-high 47 points, which would be the most by a Devils defenseman since Will Butcher back in 2017-18.

So, why would the Devils trade Severson if he obviously makes them better? Contracts. At the end of next season, Damon Severson will be a free agent commanding a good amount of money. There has been no word on whether or not the Devils will look to extend him.

However, at the end of this season, the Devils will need to sign Jesper Bratt to a long-term deal, and that money needs to come from somewhere. The Devils don’t need to have three defensemen on long-term deals, and the Devils likely want to sign Jonas Siegenthaler long term after next season. Most reasonable Devils fans would take the defensively elite Siegenthaler over the sometimes-defensive liability Severson.

If the Devils decide to move him now, they’ll get the biggest return considering he’s having a career year and has another year left on his deal. Another guy with undeniable talent will garner a lot more interest at the trade deadline and a huge haul for his services. It comes down to whether Fitzgerald will make him available, which I think he will, but will only sell him for the right price.