4.) Noah Cates, Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers forward Noah Cates, like Evans, is a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. The key difference between the two, and perhaps even more appealing from the Devils' perspective, is the fact that Cates is only 25 years old and will be a restricted free agent. There is more long-term appeal to adding a Cates rather than adding an Evans, though there are other factors to consider.
First and most obviously is the fact that the Flyers, like the Devils, are a young team. The two franchises are also Metropolitan Division rivals, so there will undeniably be an additional cost to pay for that reason in any potential trade.
Additionally, Cates has yet to score for the Flyers in his eight appearances this season and has served as a healthy scratch for John Tortorella's squad at times. Cates is already making $2.625 million against the cap, so would a raise on an already healthy number be something the Devils are willing to consider after having the player for only part of a season, if that? That is doubtful.
Cates is still young at 25, though, and would likely perform better at both ends of the ice on a more competitive team like the Devils. Further adding to the trade appeal is the fact that Cates can play left wing in addition to center. Once Lazar and Bastian return to the Devils' lineup, Cates can flex over to the left wing and give New Jersey a more traditional checking line. He is far more suited for that role than Tomas Tatar is, for example.
It is more than likely that the Flyers will listen to the Devils or other NHL teams if a reasonable offer is made.