The most wonderful time of the year comes with one implication. For NHL teams trying to make moves, they soon won’t be able to because of the NHLs Holiday Roster Freeze. The New Jersey Devils, who are actively on the NHL trade market, will be impacted by the pause.
The NHL implemented the holiday freeze for good reason. Plenty players are away from their immediate families already, and perhaps are celebrating with their teammates. The league ensured all players could enjoy the holiday’s without any worry that they might have to pack up and leave in the midst of celebration.
The Holiday Roster Freeze goes into effect between tonight, Friday, December 19, at 11:59 pm ET, and Sunday, December 28, at 12:01 am ET.
NHL Holiday Roster Freeze Rules (via CBA)
(i) For all Players on an NHL Active Roster, Injured Reserve, or Players with Non-Roster and Injured Non-Roster status as of 11:59 p.m. local time on December 19, a roster freeze shall apply through 12:01 a.m. local time December 28, with respect to Waivers, Trades and Loans; provided, however, that Players may be Recalled to NHL Clubs during this period and, provided further, that if a Player is placed on Regular Waivers prior to the roster freeze period and is claimed during such roster freeze period, the roster freeze period shall not apply, and the Player shall immediately report to the claiming Club. However, during the roster freeze period a Club can make any Player transactions necessary for the Club to come into compliance with Article 50 as a result of a Player being removed from the Bona-Fide Long-Term Injury/Illness Exception.
(ii) Notwithstanding Section 16.5(d)(i), a Player on emergency Recall may be Loaned during the roster freeze period and a Player who was Recalled after December 11 may be Loaned through 11:59 p.m. local time on December 23, provided such Player is not required to be placed on Waivers during the roster freeze period in order to effectuate such Loan.
Devils Impact
As you well know, the Devils are trying to make moves.
Dougie Hamilton‘s name has been on the mill ever since the Quinn Hughes trade chatter picked up. Ondrej Palat finds his name in discussions as well.
With clarity on the situation with Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes‘ brother being traded to the Minnesota Wild, the Devils can address what’s perhaps their most pressing needs. They certainly need a center, that’s their first order of business. They also could use a top-six forward for when Jack returns to the lineup.
None of those things can happen without clearing some cap space.
So, the Devils—like the rest of the league—essentially have until midnight tonight to strike a deal. New Jersey has been linked to the likes of Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly. There’s a lot of chatter they’re looking to strike a deal with the Nashville Predators.
Another name that continues to pop up is Brayden Schenn. The St. Louis Blues are open for business.
Recently, the Devils have thrown their hat in the ring for Phillip Danault, who seemingly is prepared to move on from the Los Angeles Kings. It sounds as though the feeling is mutual, from L.A.
Further to trades, the Devils have several players on the roster who normally play for the Utica Comets. Fortunately, there are no restrictions on recalls and loans, thus, the Devils will be able to adjust their roster accordingly.
Why is that relevant?
Well, New Jersey has a number of injured players, and Timo Meier on personal leave, and there are two games on the schedule between the start of the freeze, and the holiday break. There’s a chance they may need to pass players one way or the other if they become more healthy, or injured.
With 16 hours remaining before the Holiday Roster Freeze is implemented, well see if general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, can convert on one of his desired adds.
Otherwise, the Devils will have to wait another nine days before making a potential add.
