3 New Jersey Devils Trade Targets Need To Add Grit and Sandpaper

Brett Ritchie #24 of the Calgary Flames checks Damon Severson #28 of the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on October 26, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Brett Ritchie #24 of the Calgary Flames checks Damon Severson #28 of the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on October 26, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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New Jersey Devils
Calgary Flames center Adam Ruzicka (63): Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

C Adam Ruzicka, Calgary Flames

Yes, another Calgary Flames forward, but there’s a method to this madness. The native of Bratislava, Slovakia, is a 23-year-old center who can throw the body around, play with skill, and skate really well. Ruzicka stands at 6’4 and 202 pounds. He brings six goals and 17 points in 22 games played. Adam Ruzicka can beat you offensively and defensively and play that high-danger hockey game that the New Jersey Devils desperately need.

He knows what it takes to play alongside star forwards like Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau in Calgary. This could definitely be a beautiful fit having Ruzicka on a line with either Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier, helping add a player with skill, talent, and intensity. He would be a nice complimentary piece to help winger Tomas Tatar and upcoming defenseman Simon Nemec to help go through the physical and rougher moments on the NHL schedule. It usually helps to have a fellow countryman in being able to relate to the style of play and knows how to play a certain way in a new environment.

Conclusion

The New Jersey Devils should make a move or two in adding a player with a similar cut of cloth that would look good on this team. Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald will look to round out his team and help them get tougher, better, and sharper against a very high-stakes schedule. New Jersey can’t afford to be bumped around and hemmed in its own zone anymore. It’s only a matter of being able to readapt to one’s environment throughout the 2023 half of the 2022-2023 season.