New Jersey Devils: 3 Trade Deadline Deals With Chicago Blackhawks

The New Jersey Devils need to find players who fit into this system. The right players can have career years with the Devils. When the wrong players try to win with the Devils, they can’t keep up. Lindy Ruff’s system demands something different than most other systems. That’s why certain players can come in and thrive. It took three seasons, but the Devils finally have the right collection of players to win.

If the Devils can’t get a star, they still need to add. Tom Fitzgerald can’t do nothing. Double negative aside, the Devils GM needs to make a move of some kind.

Andreas Athanasiou would be an interesting move because he’s a player who hasn’t made much of a difference, but he could really bolster the Devils’ bottom six. His speed is hard to match, and at one time he was a pure scorer. However, it’s been four years since his last 30-goal season. He’s been on four teams since then. He hasn’t found the right fit.

The Devils could get Athanasiou for a 5th-round pick. No other team is going to offer much more. The Blackhawks will probably take this deal since Athanasiou isn’t having the best season. If he doesn’t work out, the Devils could use him as a healthy scratch who pushes the team in practice. That’s not ideal, but it’s worth the risk.