This offseason has been wildly entertaining for multiple reasons. The New Jersey Devils seem to have a clearer direction, especially with Sunny Mehta at the helm. Shedding Jacob Markstrom's contract, adding Anthony Mantha, and re-signing Nico Hischier and Arseny Gritsyuk has the fan base excited. However, the Devils have to start making major strides to compete for the Stanley Cup. They haven't made it to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2012, and have been inconsistent when it comes to clinching postseason berths. The offseason has been fun to witness; however, it should also be a wake-up call for New Jersey. The NHL is slowly turning into the NBA when it comes to players forcing their way out of bleak situations.
Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin, and more recently, Connor Hellebuyck have all requested a trade this offseason. Brady was traded to Florida and will team up with his brother Matthew, who forced his way out of Calgary in 2022 when he told the front office that he wouldn't re-sign long-term. Larkin patiently waited for the "Yzerplan" to materialize, but he ultimately reached his wits' end after the Red Wings imploded at the end of the season. Hellebuyck is interesting because he still has five years remaining on his contract, and he's 33-years-old. However, he's arguably the NHL's best goalie right now.
It was also reported that reigning Norris winner Zach Werenski requested a trade out of Columbus, but it seems like he and general manager Don Waddell reconciled. Columbus did attempt to trade him to Dallas in July, but Werenski ultimately vetoed the trade because of his no-movement clause. Jack and Luke Hughes' older brother, Quinn, essentially forced his way out of Vancouver last season by telling the organization he wouldn't sign a new contract, similar to Matthew Tkachuk.
What does this mean for the New Jersey Devils?
With everything that has transpired this offseason, NHL teams should view it as a reality check, and the Devils are no exception. Even though the Devils have locked up their core for the foreseeable future, now is not the time to be complacent. They have to see themselves in the playoffs consistently and actually compete.
Otherwise, Hughes, Hischier, and Bratt could also force their way out one day. For right now, it's unlikely to happen. But given the amount of movement that has taken place this offseason, the Devils have to continue to keep their players happy. Becoming a legitimate threat in the Metropolitan Division could certainly improve things.
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