The New Jersey Devils are going to make a trade before the NHL Trade Deadline. It just seems way too obvious that this team has pretty clear holes and the right assets to make a deal happen. Between a pretty good prospect pool despite multiple trades and graduations and seven 2025 draft picks, including three second-round picks. They have desirable assets, and they have a clear need for another scoring threat.
With the situation established, Tom Fitzgerald is going to likely make more of an effort to make the trade happen after the 4 Nations Face-Off is over. The main target is likely a forward, but we wouldn't be surprised if he at least asks about defensemen with Jonas Siegenthaler hurt and possibly a depth goalie with Jacob Markstrom on the shelf (although both are expected back within a few weeks).
There are many options on the trade market that would be fantastic additions for the Devils (and we'll continue to cover that), but it's just as important to avoid mistakes. With the Devils cap situation, they have an ability to fit one really good player. If it's the wrong player, that could lead to a first-round exit.
Kyle Palmieri
New York Islanders
Devils fans often talk about a reunion. It's happened so much in the past, with names like Brendan Shanahan, Alexander Mogilny, Brian Rolston, and Scott Gomez returning later in their career. This past offseason, we saw Stefan Noesen return to the Devils on a three-year deal. Now, the Devils can do it again with Kyle Palmieri reportedly available.
We loved when Kyle Palmieri was in New Jersey, but he is not what the team needs today. He just turned 34 years old, so this would be a true rental most likely. Palmieri has also been very inconsistent since the Devils traded him in 2021. He bounced back last year with a 30-goal season, but he's on pace for 23-24 this season. It's still better than many in the Devils' bottom six, but the real issue here is price.
Palmieri does have value in terms of what he brings and what the Devils are missing (especially shot speed), but Lou Lamoriello is going to never let the Devils win a trade. He'd keep Palmieri over selling him at a discount to the Devils. Palmieri is not a "fix all" so buying high on him would be a mistake.