Ondrej Palat has been an eye sore to watch for what has been a good New Jersey Devils team this season, with just one point in 13 games. And if you were to rank a few players in Newark by "biggest disappointment," Palat may reside near or at the top of the list.
So, if there's one player the Devils would love to move on from, it's Palat. But there are some caveats. One, he has a $6 million cap hit, so this one could escalate to a three-team trade if a surefire contender wants him and couldn't otherwise fit his large salary under the cap.
For another challenge, Palat has a full no-movement clause, so he would have to approve any would-be trade. The Devils can't dump off his contract anywhere, so if they were to move Palat, he's at least going to a halfway decent hockey team.
Below are three teams that could use Palat's services, and since they all look like contenders in 2025-26, there's a good chance he will waive his no-movement clause.
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks looked like they were on the verge of surprising the NHL in 2024-25 when they bumped themselves up a rung a year before everyone thought. In 2025-26, that trend has continued, with a 7-3-1 record and 15 points as they keep challenging some of the league's most talented teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers.
This means Anaheim will most likely be looking for veteran help throughout the season, and who better than a two-time Stanley Cup winner? Palat may look like an afterthought in Newark, but maybe he only needs a change of scenery. If that's the case, then a team like the Ducks would get a steal from the Devils.
Palat would also bring more of a physical presence the Ducks need. Right now, they're averaging just 16.4 hits per game, but if they're interested in keeping up with the likes of Edmonton and Vegas, they need heavy hitters.
Winnipeg Jets
There's a good chance that a team looking for one last player or two to boost them up and over the championship threshold would be interested in Palat. The defending Presidents' Trophy winners could be looking for another experienced skater, especially after seeing early-season success with Jonathan Toews, and Palat should have no problem waiving his no-movement clause to join Winnipeg.
Toews, back in the NHL after a two-year layoff, is sixth on the Jets in points as of Tuesday, with seven points and two goals. If the Jets can get good results from Toews, why not try to help another skater enjoy a career resurgence?
Winnipeg could use one more grinder to pitch in with supplemental scoring help, a role Palat can play if the Jets look like a good fit. And while they don't need as much help outmuscling opponents as Anaheim, adding one more to the fold never hurts.
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators have already proven they're talented enough to make the playoffs, having busted through their drought in 2025. They're a hard-hitting team that can score on anyone, but playing in the rough, tough Atlantic Division means they must find a way to gain an advantage or two.
Ondrej Palat also has ties to coach Travis Green, so there's a chance he's familiar with the Senators' system. His presence would at least make the Senators arguably the most vicious team in hockey, and their intensity will keep trending north once Brady Tkachuk's back in action.
Ottawa could be the best overall fit for Palat thanks to his familiarity with Green, and that the Sens already play his style of hockey. Should the Devils actively pursue moving him, don't be surprised when the Senators inquire. Even with that in mind, any of the above teams would prove to be good fits.
What if Palat decides he wants to stay put and refuses to waive his no-movement clause? Instead of playing him and hoping he rediscovers his game, they can always scratch Palat and let him watch games from the press box. It's not the most ideal move for a player with a $6 million cap hit, but if Palat isn't pulling his weight, then they need to severely restrict his ice time. And that means making him watch games.