Devils’ Resurgence: Key Moves and Challenges Ahead of the Trade Deadline

The New Jersey Devils are finally finding their groove, showing consistent scoring across their top and bottom six forwards. This resurgence was highlighted by a thrilling overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning at The Rock, with Stefan Noesen netting the game-winner. Head coach Sheldon Keefe is working his magic, while assistant coach Jeremy Colliton is helping pull the team out of its recent struggles.

Jacob Markstrom has been a standout performer this season, delivering performances reminiscent of Martin Brodeur. His strong play has kept the Devils competitive in tight games. On the defensive side, Ryan McGill has implemented effective penalty-kill schemes, including 1-3-1 and 4-1 blueline setups. These strategies have not only bolstered the team’s counterattacks but also improved their ability to reset plays. Markstrom has played a key role in these efforts, redistributing the puck along the flanks and the half-wall to maintain possession.

If the Devils aim to add size and strength to their lineup, they should consider Justin Brazeau. The hulking 6’5”, 220-pound forward has been a physical force for the Boston Bruins this season, recording over 70 hits, 18 blocked shots, four power-play goals (10 goals total), 19 points, and nine takeaways. Brazeau boasts an impressive Sasquatch Two-Way Score of over 29, combining hits, blocks, takeaways, and points. As a second-year player averaging 13:44 of ice time per game, he could be a long-term replacement for Kurtis MacDermid and an intimidating presence against players like Matt Rempe.

New Jersey Devils can make smart additions at the NHL Trade Deadline, but price must be right.

For a more significant upgrade, the Devils could target Dylan Cozens as a potential long-term replacement for Dawson Mercer. Trading for Cozens would give New Jersey a more polished, two-way player and a better shooter. While this move would likely require the Devils to part with a first-round pick, Mercer himself is a former first-rounder, which could offset the cost. Cozens, currently under a modified no-trade clause, would strengthen the team’s center depth—a critical area for playoff contenders. Meanwhile, Mercer has transitioned more into a winger role, making such a swap more viable for both teams.

However, it would be unwise for GM Tom Fitzgerald to sacrifice key prospects like Simon Nemec, Lenni Hämeenaho, Mikhail Yegorov, Veeti Louhivaara, or Seamus Casey for short-term gain. Emptying the prospect pool would risk repeating the mistakes of the Lou Lamoriello era, when Fitzgerald and Ray Shero had to rebuild the organization from scratch.

Protecting the Devils’ prospect pool is crucial for sustaining long-term success, especially as the team looks to build around a young core. Players like Simon Nemec and Veeti Louhivaara represent the future of the organization, with their potential to become foundational pieces on defense and offense. Sacrificing these assets for a quick fix would not only jeopardize the team’s depth but could also hinder their ability to compete in the years to come.

The lessons of the past cannot be ignored. While short-term gains might seem enticing, the Devils must remain focused on a balanced approach that prioritizes both present competitiveness and future stability. By exercising patience and building through their prospect pipeline, Fitzgerald can ensure the Devils remain a consistent contender for years, avoiding the pitfalls of over-leveraging for immediate success.

As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches on March 8th at 3 PM, Devils fans should temper their expectations. Fitzgerald faces significant challenges in rebalancing the team’s cap space and preparing for upcoming contract extensions for those players.