The New Jersey Devils were finally active, making their first trade of the regular season. Although, it was one most fans weren’t digging at the time. The Devils sent prospect Herman Traff and a 2025 second-round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for Brian Dumoulin. It was a premium for a rental defenseman who will have half his salary covered by his former team. Most fans are hoping that the premium was spent because the Devils have bigger fish to fry.
The Devils have been mentioned as a player in some of the biggest names available this deadline, but that doesn’t mean a move is to be made. Let’s take a look at the status of all the Devils’ rumors and how likely it’s going to come to fruition.
Mikko Rantanen
Mikko Rantanen is reportedly already on his way to Dallas if he can come to an agreement on a contract extension. That's a big if, as some have said that he's looking for upwards of $14 million per season on an eight-year deal. With Rantanen turning 29 years old next October, that's a lot of money to pay someone through their 37-year-old season. Which is why Rantanen is still "available."
On Rantanen: hearing Stars/Hurricanes have framework of a deal...we will see on extension over the next few hours
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 7, 2025
The Devils have been mentioned as in the Rantanen sweepstakes, but common knowledge says they would need to pay a premium to get his services. Not only are the Devils in the same conference and division as the Carolina Hurricanes, but they are currently set to face the Canes in the first round of the playoffs if the season ended today.
It seems like the Devils are probably not a likely destination for Rantanen. If the Stars can't come to an agreement with Rantanen, a team that plays in a no-tax state, then it's hard to think the Devils will break the bank for Rantanen.
Ryan O'Reilly
There was some serious smoke around Ryan O'Reilly on Thursday, but Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz is known to put out signals that a player is available just to get a team to pay a massive premium on them. It feels like that might be the case here.
The New Jersey Devils have reportedly checked in on Ryan O'Reilly, but Nashville isn't in a hurry to trade him. @FriedgeHNIC talks about O'Reilly's situation in Nashville.@asgrimson | #NJDevils | #Smashville | #NHLTradeDeadline pic.twitter.com/1eDBgisjao
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 7, 2025
O'Reilly would be a fantastic acquisition for the Devils, but he's going to have to be an overpay to the 10th degree. The Predators are terrible this season, but nobody has been trying to jump ship. O'Reilly seems fine sticking around, and he has term on his contract.
Unfortunately, the Devils have to do a lot of heavy lifting here. They have to make a trade that forces Trotz to ask O'Reilly to make the trade happen. Then, as Elliotte Friedman states above, they'd have to convince O'Reilly to spend the end of his prime in New Jersey. We're not saying it's impossible, but it would take a huge lift by Tom Fitzgerald.
Elias Pettersson
This one comes as a surprise, as the Vancouver Canucks seemingly lowered the volume on the Elias Pettersson trade chatter that usurped their team earlier this season. They did trade J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers, which helped separate two players who needed space. The Canucks are barely hanging onto a playoff spot (literally holding on by .001 in points percentage), but they might want to cash in now while the market is hot.
Pete Blackburn on the What Chaos Podcast said that "a little birdie" told him in his ear to not be surprised if the New Jersey Devils are cooking something up with the Vancouver Canucks and Elias Pettersson." 👀
— Yegor Sharangovich replaced Breadman (@FierySharky) March 6, 2025
This is probably just the Devils "calling on everyone," but it shouldn't be completely thrown away. Pettersson was on the market earlier this season, Vancouver can make insane moves, and the Devils have the pieces and motivation to make a move for a superstar. These players rarely become available, especially with term. It might be time to take advantage of a down season that's likely going to turn around quickly.