New Jersey Devils: Realistic Atlantic Division Trade Targets

Detroit Red Wings:  Robby Fabbri 

Robby Fabbri has had a tough go of things in his eight-year NHL career, playing in just 330 games throughout that span. Fabbri has had some terrible injury luck, including four knee surgeries, three of which were ACL operations. It is hard for most athletes to tear their ACL and come back to original form.

Fabbri has been a true model of perseverance, making it quite easy to root for continued future success. Still a smooth skater, Fabbri seems to have plenty left in his tank. If he can stay healthy, Fabbri has proven the ability to put the puck in the opposing team’s nets. He simply needs to prove he can play at least close to a full season. Are Fabbri and his $4 million cap hit over the next two seasons a gamble worth taking for the potential offensive output he can offer the Devils?

Boston Bruins: Jake DeBrusk 

Summer 2023 will be a big one for the Boston Bruins. Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald can pounce on an opportunity with a Bruins team who will climb an uphill salary cap situation.

Jake DeBrusk is under contract for one more season at $4 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer with a raise in mind. The Bruins have eight unrestricted free agents this summer and a pair of restricted free agents that need new contracts.

In order to clear some space, now and in the future, the Bruins may have to make some tough decisions to make. One may be parting ways with a talented young player. The 26-year-old winger started to realize his offensive capabilities over the past few seasons in Boston, and the Devils should look to poach a player like DeBrust. With 52 goals over the last two seasons, DeBrusk has evident finishing ability.

Now imagine him skating with Jack Hughes. That’s exciting. If the stars align for a Jake DeBrusk trade, he will immediately make the Devils a better hockey team.