There have been a few players in guys like Jake Evans and J.T. Miller, whom the New Jersey Devils are interested in. However, contractually, grit-wise, for a tough-as-nails player like Justin Brazeau, it keeps coming up in the media that fits the “Sasquatch” narrative, and so does his teammate Trent Frederic both fit contractually. Trent Frederic will be a free agent by season's end but can be extended.
The Devils find themselves at a crossroads. With a promising roster and a legitimate shot at contending, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald must decide how far to push the team’s chips into the middle. Should the Devils focus on shoring up their gritty bottom-six forwards to grind down opponents or swing for the fences with a blockbuster move for an elite talent like Elias Pettersson? The stakes are high, and every move—or lack thereof—will have a lasting impact on the team’s championship window.
From rugged, hard-hitting options like Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau to the tantalizing possibility of acquiring one of the league’s most dynamic players in Pettersson, the Devils have plenty of intriguing targets. But with cap constraints and future contracts looming, Fitzgerald faces the delicate challenge of balancing short-term gains with long-term sustainability. Can the Devils strike the perfect balance to fortify their roster for a deep playoff run without mortgaging their future? Let’s dive into the options and what they mean for New Jersey’s ambitions.
We've developed the statistic "Total Sasquatch Score," which calculates hits, shot blocks, takeaways, and points. Trent Frederic's average is 49.5. Where the four categories are averaged, he is ahead of Jake Evans's 28 TSS Average and Justin Brazeau’s 29. While 29 TSS is not bad for a second-year forward, he has to make a mark on a Boston Bruins roster.
If the Devils pull off getting two Bruins players with strong Sasquatch Scores, size, and grit on top of points production. This would favor a lot in Sheldon Keefe’s plan to drive opponents in the defensive end into more submission.
The Devils still might go out and target Elias Pettersson, where he is locked in long-term. Maybe Dawson Mercer gets packed in a deal. Tom Fitzgerald must reward his Power Play and even strength more than ever. Vancouver might command Arseny Gritsyuk or Lenni Hameenaho to help replace Elias Pettersson’s production in the future.
However, the contract of over $11 million might be a little too rich, given that Arseni Gritsyuk coming in soon is an entry-level deal. There also needs to be money for Luke Hughes and Jonathan Kovacevic due for extensions. There’s a much tighter asset structure more than ever that Tom Fitzgerald needs to manage closely.
The Devils have options to make a move before the NHL Trade Deadline.
Acquiring Elias Pettersson would significantly strengthen the New Jersey Devils’ top-six forward group. Known for his outstanding vision, playmaking, and goal-scoring abilities, Pettersson has the skill set to become a cornerstone player for the team. His arrival would undoubtedly elevate the Devils’ offensive capabilities and solidify their position as a serious contender.
However, Pettersson’s contract, with an average annual value (AAV) exceeding $11 million, poses a major salary cap challenge. With the Devils already managing long-term deals for key players, future contract extensions for young stars like Luke Hughes will need careful consideration. Adding such a substantial cap hit could complicate their ability to retain talent and maintain roster depth.
While Pettersson’s impact on the ice would provide an immediate boost, the trade’s financial implications and loss of valuable assets make it a complex decision for the Devils. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald would need to assess whether the team’s championship window justifies the risks of acquiring a high-salary player at the expense of long-term flexibility and depth.
Adding two players like Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau from the Boston Bruins would immediately address key areas for the New Jersey Devils. Both players bring grit and physicality, while their strong presence in the faceoff circle would enhance puck possession and help win crucial battles. Improved offensive-zone possession would undoubtedly benefit the team’s ability to sustain pressure and generate scoring chances.
On another front, a potential move for Yanni Gourde could inject energy and chemistry into the Devils’ lineup, particularly alongside forward Ondrej Palat. The two share a history from their time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and reuniting them might reignite their previous success. Gourde’s two-way game and relentless forechecking could bolster the team’s depth and contribute to a more well-rounded roster.
Meanwhile, the idea of acquiring Scott Laughton, while unlikely, would still make sense strategically. Laughton has consistently posted 20-43 points per season as a dependable bottom-six center. His ability to score, play a physical game, and contribute defensively—evidenced by his 37th-place finish in Selke Trophy voting—makes him a valuable asset. Adding a center with Laughton’s versatility would give the Devils another weapon in their lineup, enhancing their playoff aspirations.