3. Barrett Hayton
Utah Mammoth
Barrett Hayton might not be available, but he might be available. If he is available, this is the exact type of player that Tom Fitzgerald should target. He’s a top talent and former top prospect that’s showing some signs but hasn’t come close to their ceiling yet.
The former fifth-overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft finally broke 20 goals last season. Hayton has one year left on his deal, paying him $2.65 million against the salary cap. Hayton is also one year away from unrestricted free agency after next season. The Devils would have to pay his unrestricted seasons, and it might get expensive.
That’s okay. Tom Fitzgerald needs to start taking risks. Sometimes they pay off in spades. Hayton could be that type of player.
He’s already 25 years old, so this is his prime, but he does have some room to grow. In a perfect world, he could hit 30 goals. However, 25 goals seems more realistic moving forward.
4. Bryan Rust
Current Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
We covered Bryan Rust on multiple occasions, so we will keep this one quick. Bryan Rust is the type of player who can keep his value well into his late 30s. Rust hit 30+ goals for the first time in his career this past season. His return might be a little too much, but Fitzgerald should definitely be in those conversations.
5. Alex Laferriere
Los Angeles Kings
No, not that Alex Lafrenierre. This is the Los Angeles Kings version of Alex Laferriere. He had 19 goals and 42 points this season, but there is value to the numbers he is hitting. The underlying numbers show he could see an explosion of production as soon as next year.
He didn't really get much power play time (just three PP goals), but he had 87 individual high-danger chances that only led to 16 5v5 goals. If he continues with that individual production, the goals will follow. He shot just over 10 percent.
This could be a slam dunk trade for Tom Fitzgerald. Laferriere is just 23 years old, and he can grow with Jack Hughes, Dawson Mercer, and the rest of the young Devils. He should be really good in any offense, but if the reports are true and he's available, the Devils should be calling the Kings with quickness.