5 Pieces New Jersey Devils Can "Sell" At NHL Trade Deadline
The New Jersey Devils have been considered buyers this entire season, but as we sit less than two weeks from the NHL Trade Deadline, it seems like the Devils should consider themselves sellers. If they do, who might be on the chopping block?
By Nick Villano
The New Jersey Devils lost two games this week that put them pretty far from a playoff spot with just 26 games left in the season. With a back-to-back coming up, the season could fall from their fingertips in the blink of an eye. After spending months talking about "buying" in trades for a goalie or defenseman, it now seems it's just as likely the Devils will sell off pieces for assets.
The Devils haven't been in the market, so if Tom Fitzgerald declares the Devils are open for business, there will be a ton of suitors. They will be one of the few teams selling off pieces. The Devils and the Penguins might be the two most intriguing sellers in the Eastern Conference. Most of the bottom feeders with desirable pieces are in the West, so adding the Devils and Penguins makes this an intriguing couple of weeks.
As we prepare for anything, we look at some of the pieces that are most likely to find new homes before March 5th.
Tyler Toffoli
If Tyler Toffoli was available this entire season, he might be one of the most talked about trade chips in the league. He has 24 goals, which is more than any other available player (unless some miracle happens and Sidney Crosby is traded). Toffoli is streaky, but his numbers speak for themselves. He leads the Devils in goals, while only six have come on the power play.
Toffoli could fetch the Devils a first-round pick if they make him available this week. This is especially true if the Penguins take Jake Guentzel off the table. Then, the Devils won't hear much about losing Yegor Sharangovich in the trade from the offseason.
The issue here is Toffoli seems to truly like playing for the Devils and might want to re-sign. He's talked about wanting to find a place to play long-term and seeing New Jersey as a fit. Is that a reason to forgo the Devils best trade asset? That's a question for Fitzgerald to answer.