Yesterday’s news shook the NHL world. The Carolina Hurricanes connected on a blockbuster three-team trade that saw them acquire both superstar Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall. It was perhaps the biggest in-season trade in NHL history, and one that made a statement that Carolina is cup or bust this season. So, what will the New Jersey Devils do in terms of improving their roster?
Well, New Jersey Hockey Now is hearing that Friday night’s trade doesn’t change general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s plans all that much.
Why?
Well because the Devils have their top-end talent in place, whereas the Hurricanes may have been lacking some star talent outside of Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis.
The Devils acquired Timo Meier two deadlines ago and extended him for eight years the following summer. Their homegrown talent in Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt are some of the best forwards in the NHL.
Not to mention, the Devils have star defenseman Dougie Hamilton and rising star blueliner Luke Hughes.
Now, it’s about finding the right fits to round out the roster.
The Devils have made their needs clear. A depth forward, preferably a third line center, is a priority. Erik Haula has begun skating with the team, indicating his return is nearing. However, he didn’t travel to Montreal and won’t play Saturday night. Regardless of Haula’s pending return, the Devils are in need of depth scoring.
New Jersey has been linked to the likes of Jake Evans and Yanni Gourde. Ryan Donato is another name that has been floated out there in relation to the Devils.
Each of the three players named—if acquired—would certainly strengthen the Devils’ bottom-six, and hopefully help address the depth scoring.
The Devils could contend if they only added a depth forward and nothing else. However, there is still a need for a complimentary top-six player.
New Jersey has been continually linked to Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller. Although, the sense is he may not necessarily be a fit in terms of their salary cap and Vancouver’s ask in assets. It’s becoming increasingly more difficult to imagine a future where Miller is a Devil, although plenty can change before March 7th.
Instead, the Devils need someone who can help fill the void left by Tyler Toffoli last spring.
Hall might have been a good fit, however, he’s playing for the Devils’ rival now.
There is absolute truth to the idea that no one but Lou Lamoriello knows what he’s doing, but if they New York Islanders do sell, Brock Nelson or Kyle Palmieri would be fits. Although, if Miller is too expensive, Nelson might be as well.
Think the Bo Horvat deal. The Islanders would recoup similar assets.
There’s no doubt the Rod Brind’Amour-led Hurricanes are hoping to overcome the obstacle of falling short of the Stanley Cup Final, as they have in seasons past.
However, their proactive approach hasn’t necessarily put pressure on the Devils to act sooner than they anticipated.
That’s certainly a positive, too. The Devils don’t need to rush into anything they’ll regret.
Sure, they haven’t been the same team they were before Christmas. But, this is a team who is talented enough to get themselves out of the hole they put themselves in recently, even without Jacob Markstrom.
All this isn’t to say Fitzgerald isn’t seeking to improve the Devils’ roster. He is, but there’s no sense of added pressure as a result of Friday night’s blockbuster.
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James is the New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on Sportsnaut and a member of … More about James Nichols