The New Jersey Devils have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now... at least when it comes to trade rumors. The team is riddled with injuries and struggling to keep its head above water during the absence of Jack Hughes. During this skid, general manager Tom Fitzgerald has kept it no secret that he's been shopping around the league for possible trade deadline acquisitions, at least that's what the insiders say, since he hasn't addressed the media.
Reports state that Fitzgerald has been in talks with the failed super team, Nashville Predators, inquiring about Ryan O'Reilly, Jonathan Marchessault, and Steven Stamkos, but what really has the attention of Devils fans is his contact with the Vancouver Canucks. This would be in reference to Quinn Hughes, who has made it known he would welcome a chance to play with his two brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes. Fitzgerald has more leverage than any GM in the league when it comes to acquiring the eldest Hughes brother, but the question is when a deal could happen and at what cost?
Both Vancouver and Nashville are stuck in limbo. As of December 12, they are dead last and third last in the NHL standings, respectively, with no foundation or future for either franchise. If New Jersey wanted to scalp reinforcements from these teams, whether it be playoff-run depth or a family reunion, the price of a potential deal could be young Russian forward Arseny Gritsyuk.
Gritsyuk would be a valuable asset for a rebuilding team. He has put up an impressive 16 points through 31 games (seven goals, nine assists) and shows incredible potential. Not only is he adjusting to the North American style perfectly, but he's also becoming a valuable two-way player. A franchise like the Predators or Canucks would love to get Gritsyuk back in a deal with New Jersey, but as of right now, he is too vital to the Devils.
Gritsyuk is one of the few players who can match the offensive speed of other stars on the roster. Guys like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier play a fast-paced game, and Gritsyuk complements their play style to perfection with his skating ability and offensive IQ.
The trade targets that Fitzgerald is eyeing in Nashville sound very appealing on paper. Steven Stamkos, a legend for the Tampa Bay Lightning who scored 60 goals in 2011-12? It would be pretty cool seeing him in red and black. Ryan O'Reilly, Conn Smyth winner from the 2019 Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues? He would be a great depth piece for the team. Jonathan Marchessault, the all-time franchise leader in goals for the Vegas Golden Knights? Another elite goalscorer might be just what this team needs.
All of these sound like their addition would finally take this Devils team to the next level, but they aren't those players anymore. They are shells of their former selves. Giving up a young player like Gritsyuk and adding aging stars could make the Devils' Stanley Cup window evaporate right before their eyes if they aren't able to turn back the clock.
In the case of the Canucks and Quinn Hughes, it's a little different. Every Devils fan would kill to have Quinn Hughes in New Jersey, but it's about how patient they can be. Quinn is going to be a free agent at the end of next season, so it doesn't make sense to give up valuable players at this point in time (unless they dump a big contract like Dougie Hamilton or Ondrej Palat). Vancouver needs a player like Gritsyuk given their current situation, but Quinn's first option for free agency is New Jersey because of the family ties. If the Devils remain patient, they don't have to offload young talent to bring an almost lock of an acquisition to Newark early.
Of course, everything is on hold until we hear more about Gritsyuk's injury. Head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed on Friday that the rookie is going to miss both games this weekend with an undisclosed injury.
There is a certain excitement that comes with having a general manager who is active in trade talks because it shows they care. It shows the fans that they know the team can get better and they are trying to be proactive about it. That excitement can quickly be spoiled when fans watch home-grown talent blossom on another team. In only his first 31 games, Gritsyuk has contributed heavily to the speed and production of the offense. With his potential, it may be safer to hold onto him for a while and see what kind of player he will develop into before making him pack his bags.