5 Former Stud Prospects New Jersey Devils Should Target At Trade Deadline

The New Jersey Devils are prioritizing goalie at the NHL Trade Deadline. It's been all over every network. Many think that is the Devils showing their cards, but it's probably the opposite. With Nico Daws playing as well as he has lately and Vitek Vanecek looking less like a liability, the Devils aren't stapled to the trade market as some think.

The Devils actually have some flexibility in the market. Their fluid set of assets, young core, and Tom Fitzgerald's past history of trades makes them a possibility for all positions. There has been talk about multiple former great prospects who need a change of scenery. The Devils should ask about all of them.

Before we get to the list, let's address the name most people are thinking of right now: Kaapo Kakko. Of course, the Devils should go after him theoretically, but we're being realistic here. The Rangers would make a trade with the Devils but not for a player who could come back and bite them for years to come. They might be willing to move Kakko in the right deal, but no deal would include the Devils.

1. Arthur Kaliyev
Los Angele Kings

We've loved Arthur Kaliyev since the NHL Draft. Our biggest issue with the P.K. Subban trade at the time was he was still on the board. He actually went the pick before the choice the Devils traded to Nashville.

Things started off very well for Kaliyev in LA. The sniper scored a goal in his very first NHL game. He grew his game over the next two years, scoring 13 goals in 56 games in 2022-23. He's always had this awesome skill. He actually reminds us a lot of Alexander Holtz.

This season, the Kings haven't found a better place for him in the lineup. Right now, he's on the fourth line with fellow prospect Alex Turcotte and Trevor Lewis. He's playing a little under 13 minutes a night. Like Holtz, that would never end up getting the best out of his talents.

So, why would the Devils get a player like Holtz when they already have Holtz? For one, it's great insurance. It's likely one or the other will work out. However, Kaliyev has a better track record in the NHL. He's scored 10+ goals twice, and he will likely hit it again this year. He could easily become a 20 or even 30-goal scorer in the right situation.