The New Jersey Devils are in a great spot right now, currently boasting a 26-17-6 record for third in the Metropolitan Division.
Superstar Jack Hughes is a huge reason why the Devils have 58 points as of presstime. But the Toronto Maple Leafs are also doing well in the Eastern Conference and are neck-and-neck with New Jersey. With this, the Devils will be buyers at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. One area the Devils are aiming to improve is their center depth.
Here's five trade partners that would pair well with Hughes and bring added strength to the Devils' roster.
1. Ryan O'Reilly
NHL insider Pierre Lebrun recently reported that Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald has "started to check in on all the obvious center targets." In addition, LeBrun mentioned Ryan O'Reilly is a potential target.
O'Reilly, 33, would be a massive addition to the Devils' third line and penalty kill if acquired. The Clinton, Ontario native is having a solid season with Nashville. He's posted 13 goals, 26 points, and 40 blocks in 41 games despite the fact that the Predators are struggling.
Adding to his appeal is that he would be more than a rental. While he does have a $4.5 million cap hit until the end of the 2026-27 season, the Predators are treating him like he has a no-movement clause.
2. Yanni Gourde
LeBrun also mentioned Yanni Gourde as another potential target, which makes sense given he's in his final season of his contract with the Seattle Kraken. In 35 games played so far this season, he has six goals, 16 points, and 58 hits.
Gourde's small size (he's listed at 5'9" and 175 pounds) would pair well with Hughes (also on the smaller side at 5'11", 175 pounds) as the two are both able to utilize their speed efficiently when skating across zones.