The Timo Meier rumor mill is in full swing with no end in sight. As New Jersey Devils fans, we’re used to disappointment, and this winter is shaping to be no different.
GM Tom Fitzgerald generally hasn’t shown an affinity for making the big move, unlike his former partner in crime Ray Shero. Yes, Fitz secured Dougie Hamilton’s signature two summers ago, but throwing money at the top defender on the market isn’t as impressive as securing the top trade piece in a seller’s market, especially after this past summer’s swing and miss at Johnny Gaudreau.
Thanks to the ascension of Jack Hughes and the help provided by a retooled roster, the New Jersey Devils find themselves firmly inside the playoff picture. The problem, though, is that there are still issues within the roster lingering from the offseason, a top-tier goal scorer chief among them.
As we hurtle closer to the 2023 Trade Deadline, we’ll begin to better understand which teams will be buyers and which teams will be sellers. The Blackhawks, Canadiens, Coyotes, Ducks, and Sharks are all loitering alongside the Blue Jackets at the bottom of the league. We all know about a certain Shark who has long been available, but other teams, including Wild Card chasers on the outside looking in, all still have something to offer.
5. Nick Schmaltz – Arizona Coyotes
Nick Schmaltz might be a player whose name is unfamiliar to casual NHL fans. The 6’0″ Wisconsin native has spent most of his NHL career with the Arizona Coyotes while missing a lot of time over the years due to various injuries he’s had to deal with. When he’s healthy and on his game though, Schmaltz is one of the most productive players in the league, posting 93 points over his last 100 games played.
I almost forgot how good Nick Schmaltz was at takeaways. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/jcOpt0c8lX
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) February 11, 2023
The Coyotes seem like they are going to commit to selling off players for picks and prospects to expedite their rebuild, and Schmaltz will turn 27 at the end of February. Schmaltz also fits Tom Fitzgerald’s criteria of being a part of the Devils team for now in the future, with his current contract locking him in until 2026 at a salary of $5,850,000. It also helps that Schmaltz can play both right wing and center, which would only increase his value as a prospective linemate of Jack Hughes. The former Blackhawk would fit the Devils like a glove if he’s available.