As the March 7th NHL Trade Deadline looms, the New Jersey Devils find themselves at a critical crossroads. With a talented core already in place, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald must carefully assess the team’s needs, balancing immediate upgrades with long-term sustainability. Rather than pursuing short-term rental players, Fitzgerald has made it clear that any acquisitions must provide value beyond this season. The Devils actively seek a physical center for their bottom six and a versatile forward who can play both wing and center.
Beyond trade considerations, the Devils also anticipate the arrival of top Russian prospect Arseny Gritsyuk, whose KHL contract expires at season’s end. His scoring ability and deceptive shot could provide a major boost to the team’s offensive depth.
Over five seasons, Gritsyuk has amassed 67 goals and 145 points in 211 games (0.69 points per game), including a Gagarin Cup championship in 2020-21. His skill set is undeniable—his shot is deceptively quick and highly accurate, his passing ability is sharp, and his skating allows him to elude defenders with ease. His elite stickhandling makes him difficult to read, and his shot is lethal enough to beat NHL goaltenders cleanly. Fitzgerald has exercised patience in waiting for his KHL prospect, and that patience appears to be on the verge of paying off.
While Gritsyuk's arrival will add to the team’s offensive firepower, Fitzgerald must address other pressing needs before the trade deadline. The Devils are particularly interested in acquiring a physical center for the bottom six and a forward with the versatility to play both wing and center. One name frequently linked to New Jersey in recent trade discussions is Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic. Frederic’s playing style makes him a natural fit for the Devils—he brings size, physicality, and a defensive presence that would complement the team's current forward group. Slotting him into the third line would allow for further depth adjustments, giving the Devils the toughness they need for a deep playoff push.
In addition to Trent Frederic, there is ongoing speculation that the Devils could strike a deal with the Montréal Canadiens, potentially targeting both Joel Armia and Jake Evans. Armia, a proven veteran with playoff experience, provides defensive reliability and size on the wing, while Evans brings a strong two-way game as a responsible depth center. Given New Jersey’s recent history of deals with Montréal, a trade between the two organizations would not be surprising.
The New Jersey Devils have to remember their internal options when discussing NHL Trade Deadline targets
Goaltending remains a critical aspect of the Devils’ long-term outlook. Nico Daws has made significant strides in his development, improving drastically since the challenging COVID-era seasons. His post-hip surgery progression has been encouraging. Beyond Daws, the organization is also preparing for the eventual arrival of Jakub Málek, whose contract with Ilves in the Finnish Liiga will conclude after the 2025-26 season.
Further down the pipeline, Russian goaltender Mikhail Yegorov continues his development at Boston University under the guidance of Jay Pandolfo and goaltending coach Brian Daccord, the father of Seattle Kraken netminder Joey Daccord. The Devils are taking a measured approach to their goaltending situation, ensuring they have a steady pipeline of talent to maintain stability in the crease for years to come.
Ultimately, the Devils are in an enviable position heading into the trade deadline. Unlike teams scrambling to make desperate moves, New Jersey has a well-defined plan. They don’t need to overhaul their roster, just fine-tune it. With a solid foundation in place and reinforcements like Gritsyuk on the way, the team is trending in the right direction. While Fitzgerald will likely make a couple of trades, they will be calculated, addressing specific needs without mortgaging the future. The Devils are no longer just trying to make the playoffs—they are building for sustained success, ensuring they remain a perennial contender for years to come.