New Jersey Devils: Realistic Metropolitan Division Trade Targets

Philadelphia Flyers: Travis Konecny 

Logistically, this could be tough. The Philadelphia Flyers do not often trade with the Devils, nor should they. Why would they want to make a Devils team on the rise any better? Well, the Devils can make them better as well.

The Devils have the pieces to get this deal done. With the Flyers noticeably beginning a full-fledged rebuild by stacking draft picks and prospects and eating other teams’ money, Travis Konecny may be the next Flyer on his way out. At 26 years old, Konecny’s prime will likely be over by the time the Flyers begin to reap the rewards of their rebuild, meaning they can use this as an opportunity to cash in on him.

Konecny had 31 goals (a career high) and 61 points (tied for a career high) last season. He has shown exponential growth in his career and looks like the type of player who can help a Stanley Cup contender. Flyers General Manager Danny Briere has been off to a good start in year one of his tenure, but maybe Tom Fitzgerald can complete part two of his Pennsylvania state heist in back-to-back summers by nabbing Travis Konecny.

Carolina Hurricanes: Stefan Noesen

Reuniting with Stefan Noesen might be an intriguing, yet difficult idea for the Devils. The Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes were neck-and-neck last season for the Metropolitan Division title. Surely the Hurricanes do not want to help the Devils in any way. But what if there is a way to get back the winger that won over Devils fans’ hearts with his enormous 2018 playoff goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Noesen is under contract for one more season at a reasonable cap hit of $762,500, a very cheap number for his contributions. He has grown exponentially as a player since leaving the Devils and could be a very useful player for them at this point in the playoff window. This is a proven playoff performer, and given his role as a versatile bottom-six player, Noesen will immediately make the Devils better. This is the kind of player that the Devils need now that they are on the rise into the Stanley Cup conversation.