New Jersey Devils: 3 Takeaways from Timo Meier Trade

2. The Devils’ Roster Remains Deep for Playoff Run

By retaining Yegor Sharangovich, Dawson Mercer, and Mackenzie Blackwood, the Devils do not compromise their special teams or depth. Amidst his hot streak, Mercer in particular became the center of speculation. However, it was never really on the table to trade him. He’s too good. Dynasties are built on entire rosters, and players like Mercer can take teams a long way.

Sharangovich is one of the team’s best and most trusted penalty killers, and he also just welcomed a newborn baby to the family; he was never a true possibility to be moved.

On the flip side, Mackenzie Blackwood has long been at the center of trade rumors, with nothing coming to fruition. After getting injured again, he potentially finds himself in a goaltending controversy after rookie Akira Schmid’s shutout of the Flyers on Feb. 25.

Timo Meier will provide a big bodied presence to the Devils’ first power play unit, and hopefully bump Ondrej Palat to the second unit to replace the ineffective Miles Wood. A second unit of Palat, Tomas Tatar, Mercer, Erik Haula, and Damon Severson is much more respectable, despite the obvious and perpetuated lack of a triggerman. (Alex Holtz anybody?)