3 Goalies That Make Waiting Until Offseason Worth It For New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils place in the standings has many questioning whether
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...
Linus Ullmark
Boston Bruins
If Swayman is off the table, Tom Fitzgerald should keep the conversation with the Bruins going. Linus Ullmark has seen Swayman take the starter's role. It's not because Ullmark has been bad. He's 16-6-5 with a .914 save percentage. This is a former Vezina Trophy candidate who could be looking for a new home sooner rather than later.
The Bruins are thinking about making a bold move and trading Ullmark now. They don't have a lot of money to adjust the roster, and they want to make upgrades before the playoffs. Ullmark would be an easy place to shed salary for salary. He's making $5 million per season. If the Bruins aren't going to play him in the postseason, then that's a lot of money on the books for essentially nothing.
The Bruins have added a goalie to the market for a very specific reason. They want a player that could help them right now make a move toward the postseason. The Devils could help by sending someone like Tyler Toffoli, but we're not sure if that's who the Bruins are looking for.
Ullmark would be a massive upgrade to the Devils in net. He could help them now and in the future, which is what they are looking for. Is Ullmark someone who can step up in the playoffs? He has eight career playoff games and an .888 save percentage. It's worth consideration, but again, it's much better than what the Devils have now.
Logan Thompson
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights are another team with two very good goalies. Adin Hill helped them win the Stanley Cup last season, and they rewarded him with a two-year deal worth $4.9 million per season. Logan Thompson is still under a very affordable contract, making less than $800,000 per year. It would be very hard to convince the Golden Knights to rid themselves of that deal, but maybe if the Devils take on the final year of Robin Lehner's deal as well, the price would drop.
Thompson isn't having the best season, putting on a .907 save percentage. However, he had two seasons at .914 and .915 before this. He's still a really good goalie who the Devils should target.
If the Golden Knights are willing to sell on Thompson, it's probably because he's going to be an unrestricted free agent when his current deal is done. Thompson is going to become an expensive player pretty quickly. Just look at the deal Vitek Vanecek got when he got to the Devils. He immediately signed a three-year deal worth $3.4 million per season. This is probably a similar deal for Thompson.
Will Thompson be the same as a starter? It's something the Devils can take a chance on because of his salary.
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