In case any confirmation was needed, the latest game was a grim reminder that the New Jersey Devils need a retool. This team is bad and looked effortless in a 3-0 defeat against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team on the rise that passed them by a few weeks back.
The Devils can use a retool. Not a rebuild like their rival New York Rangers but with the season being a lost cause, they can use a reset. Of course, it’s not easy to do so when so many players are tied down with no-trade clauses but it’s still possible. Based on the way the Devils look, it’s becoming a must.
Depth Players Are Dealt
Cody Glass stands out because he has an affordable contract and is a depth skater. While he’s not the biggest name, teams will look to add the third-line forward who can play center when needed, allowing the Devils to get a good return for him.
The Devils have a handful of these players. Yes, some of them have disappointed this season, but contenders looking to round out their rosters will still look to add them. The question the Devils must ask themselves is whether they want to trade Dawson Mercer or not. Mercer, the 24-year-old forward, doesn’t have a no-trade clause and can bring back a significant return, but at his age, it’s easy to see him as a part of the future.
With these trades, the Devils can get things going on a retool. Between the depth skaters, they can land a few prospects and picks, two things they lack at the moment but need. This gets things started, and the key for the Devils is taking things a step further.
Devils Still Try Moving Vets
A big part of the Devils' retool is finding a way to have Dougie Hamilton remove his no-trade clause. He refused to do so in the offseason and wants to handpick his destination, but with the team falling in the standings, there’s a good chance he reconsiders. Hamilton immediately becomes the most valuable trade asset for the Devils.
The Devils can’t stop there. They must also look to move on from veterans who are weighing them down. If they managed to move Ondrej Palat, they can move on from the other players who have struggled with the team.
Devils Can Still Look For an Identity Change
The question for the Devils is whether this is working. Do they have the right people in place to lead them to a Cup? The short answer is no. Assuming general manager Tom Fitzgerald stays, they must make a change behind the bench, and the person they must call is Barry Trotz.
The Devils have seen firsthand what Trotz can do behind the bench. He led the division-rival Washington Capitals to the Cup and turned around the New York Islanders. He fixes defenses and brings discipline to teams, two things the Devils need.
There’s a belief that Trotz, who is in his 60s, doesn’t want to coach. It’s hard to buy that, considering that coaching is in his DNA; that’s why he wasn’t a good GM. Trotz still has that coaching itch and can do a great job somewhere. The Devils are a place where he can turn them around, and there wouldn’t be much turnover needed.