3 Trades New Jersey Devils Could Offer For Matthew Tkachuk
By Nick Villano
Saying Goodbye To Dawson Mercer
The New Jersey Devils just announced that Dawson Mercer is changing his number to 91 after the signing of Ondrej Palat to a five-year deal. Palat is a two-time Stanley Cup winner, so it seems to make sense that Mercer would make the change. However, Mercer established himself as a really good player last season. He played all 82 games, the only Devils player to do so. He was a highly-touted prospect who continues to excel every season. He can score and he plays a really good center. His motor doesn’t quit, and the Devils would hate to lose him. The issue with Mercer is he’s kind of a man without a position. The Devils don’t want to waste him playing him at center because then he’s behind Hughes and Hischier. Yet, playing him at wing doesn’t seem to be playing to his strengths. This is a move the fanbase would really cringe at, but it might be what it takes to make it happen.
Even with Mercer, the Devils have to add a lot. They add another NHL roster player and center in Jesper Boqvist. He finally found his role on the NHL team last season and looked good over the last month. He would find a really good role on a rebuilding Flames team.
The Devils have to add an unprotected first-round pick in all trades. Yes, even in a trade giving up a teenage center who’s been really good already. The Flames can’t come out of this trade without it or it’s a massive failure. They won’t even allow it to be protected in the top three. It’s a risk the Devils are going to have to take.
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Arseni Gritsyuk has quickly established himself as a top prospect in Russia. He had 16 goals and 28 points in 38 games for Avangard Omsk. He added 10 points in 13 playoff games. He’s 21 years old, and he’s likely in Russia a little longer. However, the Flames know he would be worth the wait. Of course, a lot of these trades would also come with ensuing trades to clear cap space. Look for the Devils to dump a big expiring contract like Andreas Johnsson, Damon Severson, or Tomas Tatar.