The New Jersey Devils need a goalie. This isn't news. However, it isn't their only need. We went over everything that could turn this Devils season around, and goalie wasn't at the top of the list of needs. Nico Daws has been good enough, and Vitek Vanecek is going to be returning at some point from his lower-body injury. On top of that, the Devils have been hesitant to make a move because teams are asking for the world in these trades. Even if Tom Fitzgerald is waiting for leverage, it might not come before the trade deadline.
However, that's not the end of the world. The time to make a goalie trade was a month or two ago, but teams were standing pat on their insane prices. That's because all of these goalies we're hearing about now will be available in the offseason if they don't move now. Jacob Markstrom, John Gibson, and Juuse Saros all have term on their current deals. They could also go for a short-term fix like Chris Driedger.
On top of that, there are players that would be even better for the Devils than the previous players. Part of that reason is price, as the Devils wouldn't have to lose Dawson Mercer or Simon Nemec, but another reason is the age fitting the contention window. With that said, who might be available this offseason that isn't available today?
Jeremy Swayman
Boston Bruins
This should be the number one target for the Devils if available. He should be the player the Devils go all in on. Will the Boston Bruins make Jeremy Swayman available? It's highly unlikely, but there is a chance. Swayman chronicled a very messy arbitration process last offseason. He does not seem happy with his current team, at least regarding his contract status. Now, Swayman is looking at yet another arbitration case this offseason.
It's possible that Swayman just straight up asks for a trade rather than going through another painful arbitration process. That would make him by far the best option available.
The Devils hate arbitration as well. They literally allowed Nathan Bastian and Michael McLeod to walk just to avoid it. They hated it with Jesper Bratt and Miles Wood, even if they didn't even get there. They would avoid it with Swayman. So, not only would they get their goalie, one who is 25 years old, but they would also be able to lock him up long-term right away. This is the guy who will take this Devils team over the top. However, if he's not available...