Cody Glass and the kids are getting it done for the New Jersey Devils. In fact, it’s clarifying exactly what they need to bolster their roster by way of Devils trade.
It’s ironic to think that general manager Tom Fitzgerald almost let Glass walk away for nothing in the summer. Now, flanked by Arseny Gritsyuk and Lenni Hämeenaho, the newly formed trio by Sheldon Keefe has been New Jersey’s best line ever since Hämeenaho’s recall.
In four games, the Glass line has a combined five goals and 10 points. Keefe has uniquely been able to mismatch the Glass line, disguising them as the fourth line, while Paul Cotter centers the third line with Evgenii Dadonov and Connor Brown.
Glass’ breakout of late is further evidence he has the offensive tools that saw him drafted sixth overall in 2017. He likely won’t hit his ceiling, but he’s undoubtedly making believers out of the Devils organization that his offensive prowess paired with his elite defensive abilities make him an excellent choice behind Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier on the depth chat.
Hämeenaho scored his first NHL goal, registered his first helper, and has proven he has the hockey IQ that very well may keep him in the NHL from here on. As for Gritsyuk, he continues to prove time and time again that the Devils were right to bet on the KHL game translating to the NHL.
The results of the Glass line have been staggering outside raw statistics.
In four games at even strength, the Glass line has thus far accrued 64.62 CF%, suggesting they’re attacking far more than they are defending. The expected goals are absurd, accruing an 82.29 xGF%, proving the trio is creating plenty of scoring opportunities for one another. If that’s not proof enough, they own a positive 23-8 scoring chance differential. And on the other end of the rink, they have yet to be on the ice for a goal against.
So, what does this prove?
The Devils came into the 2025-26 regular season with two clear needs. A top-six forward and a third-line center. However, the Glass line is proving that they have the latter.
Glass is a plus player in all three zones of the ice, is on pace for 23 goals this season—which will blow his previous career-high out of the water by nine goals—and is the ripe age of 26 years old.
Thus, his emergence and chemistry with his new linemates have made Fitzgerald’s job a bit easier.
The Devils no longer need to be in the market for a third-line center. They have one in Glass. However, they probably should look to upgrade from Cotter—who played 10 fewer minutes than Cotter against the Seattle Kraken on Sunday—while also ensuring they can keep Luke Glendening in the 13th forward role.
An upgrade at 4C is far easier than 3C. In fact, the Devils may even be able to find that player on the waiver wire.
Yet, more than ever, the Devils need a top-six winger. Recently, Keefe’s moved Timo Meier to the wing of Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Those returns have been okay, with a goal and two assists combined. However, their advanced analytics suggest they’re driving play and creating scoring chances. Eventually, that trio should break through.
Yet, the Hischier line on Sunday was so bad, they didn’t create anything at all. Collectively, Hischier, Dawson Mercer, and Ondrej Palat accrued a 6.86 xGF% and a 0-3 scoring chance differential. That’s uncharacteristic of a Hischier-driven line.
The Devils are far stronger when Meier skates alongside Hischier and Mercer. Not as strong as you’d like with a negative 86-91 scoring chance differential in 186:03 of time on ice this season. Yet, much stronger than when Palat is on the ice with Hischier and Mercer, who have accrued an abysmal 35.70 xGF% in 68:24 TOI.
The goal of a Devils trade should be to find someone that will knock everyone else down a peg, sans Gritsyuk to keep the Glass line together. Palat undoubtedly has to get out of the Devils’ top six. And if Dadonov continues to provide nothing, he should sit.
Unquestionably, Hughes and Bratt—some of the NHL’s best playmakers—need a natural shooter on their left. And if all goes well, the kind of pressure a shooter on the top line can create should open up more opportunities for the Hischier line with Meier back where he belongs.
Easier said than done, but it’s been two seasons now since the Devils trade that sent Tyler Toffoli to the Winnipeg Jets unfolded. They have yet to replace him with a shooter after letting one go that was on a 35-goal pace.
We now have clarity with the Dougie Hamilton situation. Unless someone blows Fitzgerald’s socks off with an offer, he’s not going anywhere. And with his recent play—looking more like a No. 1 defenseman again—the Devils need him. So, New Jersey will have to get creative.
We’ve heard about the interest in Steven Stamkos. Could he be pried from the Nashville Predators, who may prefer to keep him at this point? Jason Robertson feels like a long shot in-season, but you have to at least check in.
Plus, the Jordan Kyrou & Alex Tuch-caliber players continue to see their names on NHL trade lists. There are options out there. It’s on Fitzgerald to make it happen.
The Cooking with Glass line (that’s what I’m calling it) have made the direction on the trade market clearer. A Devils trade should prioritize a top-six forward, specifically a shooter for the first line.
*Analytics courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.
