The New Jersey Devils have already begun to change the landscape. Ondrej Palat is out, moving to Long Island in the first Devils trade of the season. It was a cap-clearing move that netted the Devils Maxim Tsyplakov, but more importantly, $3.75 million in cap space.
As of Friday, there are still eight points between the Devils and playoff position. Ironically, the team the Devils traded with, the New York Islanders, are the ones New Jersey is chasing. Further, it’s only been a short sample, but Palat’s already been the kind of impact GM Mathieu Darche was hoping for.
Still, the Devils haven’t given up hope on the playoffs. General manager Tom Fitzgerald explained earlier this month that the Devils will be buyers by the March 6th NHL Trade Deadline.
He elaborated that he’d like to add “up front.” That could mean a top-six forward. And for as good as Cody Glass has been, perhaps another center. Recently, both he and Jack Hughes have suffered what’s thus far been labeled as minor injuries. Yet, neither are beating the injury-prone accusations, and the Devils could use some insurance at the position.
You see, here’s the thing about the Fitzgerald’s position. He’s currently managing with his job on the line, and another disappointing end to the season—which is certainly what the Devils are on track for—could cost him said job. So don’t be surprised to hear the Devils GM in the mix for a last-ditch effort met by a big swing.
We’re one week away from the 2026 Winter Olympic break, which means we are also one week away from the first “trade deadline” before the official March 6th deadline.
So, let’s look at some Devils trade candidates throughout three different tiers.
Buy-Low Tier
Frank Vatrano
It’s… not been a good season for Frank Vatrano. However, with a new influx of fresh young talent and some new veterans like Chris Kreider in Anaheim, Vatrano’s falled down the depth chart.
He’s currently injured, suffering a broken shoulder about a month ago. He has a six-week timeline, meaning he should be back right after the Olympic break.
Vatrano is also in year one of a new three-year extension that carries a $4.571 average annual value. So, why should the Devils take a chance on the 31-year-old?
Well, Vatrano is only two seasons removed from a 37-goal, 60-point campaign. He’s probably not that player anymore, but he’s also not the three-goal, six-point player that’s being advertised this season. He’s more likely a 20-goal, 40-point guy that can play up in the lineup if you need.
He doesn’t do a whole lot defensively, but he hits and shoots. If Jack and Jesper Bratt are hogging the puck, all Vatrano would have to do is get open. And we know he can score. At a cheap rate, Vatrano is a good buy-low candidate.
Ryan Strome
Staying in Anaheim, Ryan Strome is in the same boat as Vatrano. A veteran that Joel Quenneville has pushed down the depth chart in favor of his talented youth.
The Devils need center depth, and Strome is familiar with the East Coast as a former Islander and New York Rangers forward.
In fact, he made a living off creating scoring opportunities for Artemi Panarin in his Blueshirt days. Now, the 32-year-old forward is serving as a healthy scratch without an opportunity to prove himself.
His cap hit comes in a little high at $5 million, and he’s got one more year after this season on his contract. With a lot of cap space available, maybe Anaheim is willing to retain going into July 1st with $39.2 million available.
There are better options than this, but for the right price, Strome would bring some necessary center depth.
Nils Höglander
Well, clearly the lines of communication between the Devils and Vancouver Canucks are open, despite the failed conversion on Quinn Hughes.
Nils Höglander, like Vatrano & Strome, isn’t having a good season either. But who is in Vancouver?
He’s a speedy, forechecking forward that has skill. All signs point to a player that can hack it at least in the middle six. His 24-goal 2023-24 campaign proves he knows how to fill the stat sheet.
He’s no longer injured but started the season late on Dec. 8th due to injury. But he’s on the ice now, with just two assists in 18 games.
Just about everyone in Vancouver needs a fresh start. Höglander’s analytics suggest he’s a better player than the raw statistics suggest. And he’s in year one of a three-year contract with a digestible $3 million cap hit and no trade protection. It’s a low-risk, high-reward kind of move that can pay off. If not, you can likely move this contract again.
Evander Kane
Jeff Marek suggested the Devils have checked in on Evander Kane before. Perhaps they’ll go back to that well since he wants out of Vancouver.
From the sound of it, the Canucks are willing to retain money, which is good news for the winger’s $5.125 million cap hit.
In 53 games this season, Kane’s scored nine goals and 24 points. Yet, he’s a season removed from 24 goals and can play up in the lineup.
Kane is a proven goal scorer with eight 20-plus goal seasons under his belt and hovered around or at 30 goals in four of those seasons.
The Devils could use more big bodies, too, as Tsyplakov automatically became New Jersey’s biggest forward upon acquisition at 6-foot-3, 203 lbs. Kane comes in a bit heavier at 218 lbs, standing an inch shorter.
The bad news is Kane comes with some baggage. He’s been in trouble for some off-ice antics. The good news is he’s a pending unrestricted free agent. If it’s only going to cost a pick, perhaps you give it a shot. And if it doesn’t work, cut bait.
Roster Reinforcement Tier
Blake Coleman
Word is the Calgary Flames might actually want to keep Blake Coleman, but if he becomes available, the Devils should consider a reunion. He can play either center or wing and brings plus skating and defense.
On average, he’s a 20-plus goal scorer. He scored 30 three seasons ago, and this season is on pace to eclipse 20 again, scoring 13 through 44 games this season.
Coleman has a season left on his deal after this year at a palatable $4.9 million cap hit.
The ex-Devils two-way capabilities allow him to play up in the lineup, or in a depth role. He could hack it on a Hughes-led line with his finishing ability and speed, or he can center the third as a plus forechecker and counterattacker.
Call if he’s for sale.
Charlie Coyle
The Columbus Blue Jackets are in a different position than the Devils. They’re still a team on the rise, whereas the Devils are trying to restore their status.
Charlie Coyle is another center that would actually be the perfect third-line solution in New Jersey.
Coyle has one year left with a $5.25 million cap hit. Yes, he’s a pending UFA, but the Devils would get the first crack at re-signing the 33-year-old and should consider it as an option.
In Columbus this season, Coyle’s thus far netted 12 goals and 35 points in 52 games so far. He’s another big body at 6-foot-3, 221 lbs who fights for net-front presence and can clean up rebounds. On the rush, he’s a shoot-first mentality and decent hands. Coyle checks several boxes, from size to responsibility and scoring.
There may not be a better third-line option in the league.
Bobby McMann
The vultures are circling The Big Smoke as the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to throw away their season. Hey, the Devils are no better, but it sounds like Toronto could be waving the white flag. So, the next few players currently wear the Leaf.
29-year-old Bobby McMann is a late bloomer. However, he’s a speedy winger that can create his own scoring chances. He scored 20 goals in 2024-25 and is on pace to eclipse that with 17 in 53 games this season. That’s a 26-goal pace.
The big body at 6-foot-2, 217 lbs is a plus, and his $1.35 million cap hit is certainly desirable. He’d do well next to Jack and Bratt.
Max Domi
Max Domi is another Maple Leaf who would be serviceable in New Jersey. He comes with three years remaining on his contract at a $3.75 million cap hit.
He’s mostly playing wing on the top line with Auston Matthews. However, the speedy forward has center experience and could work in a depth role in New Jersey.
Domi is a scrappy playmaker that could lack finish at times. But he’s hit 20 goals or more twice. This season, Domi’s registered eight goals and 29 points. He’s on pace to eclipse last season’s production, and his game should generally age well with him.
There are better options out there, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a good addition if it came down to it.
Scott Laughton
Remember when Scott Laughton netted a first-round pick? That won’t happen here. At least, it shouldn’t.
Like McMann, Laughton comes with a $1.5 million cap hit and is a pending free agent. The 31-year-old center is familiar with the Metropolitan Division as a former Philadelphia Flyers forward.
At 6-foot-1, 190 lbs, Laughton plays with an edge. He crashes the net, hits, and is a pesky puck retriever with sneaky stealing ability.
Laughton’s up to eight goals and 10 points in 36 games this season. He’s excellent in the face-off dot with a 57% win rate this season.
In a depth role, Laughton brings some elements the Devils lack.
Brayden Schenn
Sometimes, Brayden Schenn’s name comes across bigger than it is, but no one should be paying a huge price for the St. Louis Blues captain.
He’s a serviceable center who brings quality elements. He’s a passer, he hits, and he’ll even drop the gloves.
This season, Schenn’s registered 12 goals and 22 points in 54 games. The 34-year-old forward has three years left on his deal at $6.5 million.
That feels like a big commitment. However, if St. Louis—who are potentially ready to tear it down to the studs—retains Schenn, he could work in a depth role.
Schenn is a former 20-plus goalscorer, reaching or eclipsing that plateau eight times. In the dot, he’s above average, winning 54% of draws this season. At 6-foot-1, 200 lbs, he’s not afraid to beat you up either. Again, at the right price with retention, he’s solid depth.
The All-In Tier
Jordan Kyrou
Staying in St. Louis, Jordan Kyrou would help round out the top six. He’s got five seasons left at an $8.125 million cap hit, which should age well with his game.
Kyrou is the perfect fit alongside Jack and Bratt. He’s an elite offensive winger, a plus puck carrier with speed to burn in transition, and has an excellent shot.
The proof is in the pudding. He’s only scored 12 goals and 27 points this season, but has thrice eclipsed 30 goals in the three seasons prior.
The 27-year-old could use a new start somewhere, and the Devils could finally use a top-six solution. You go all in on Kyrou.
Ryan O’Reilly
Barry Trotz said it himself. He has to consider everything. Everyone in Nashville is on the table. So, one of the most logical Devils trade targets is Ryan O’Reilly.
We’ve banged this drum before; we’ll do it again. Perhaps the only better 3C aside from Coyle is O’Reilly.
O’Reilly does everything. EVERYTHING.
He scores, defends, kills penalties, plays on the power play, forechecks, and kills opposing scoring chances. A true Swiss Army knife. He’s collected 18 goals and 51 points so far this season, and is on pace to match his career high of 28 goals and reach a new career high in points (79).
As someone once told me, “If O’Reilly is your 1C, you’re probably not going to win the Stanley Cup. If he’s your 3C, you’re probably going to win the Cup.”
Well, the Devils likely won’t be playing for a championship, but he comes with another year on his deal at $4.5 million.
Trading for O’Reilly is a multi-season move. Go get ’em if he’s available.
Steven Stamkos
Remember when I was crazy for suggesting this in November? Well, now Steven Stamkos might score 40 goals.
And the crazy thing is he’s not the product of his environment. He’s driving the bus. So, what do you think he’d do next to Jack and Bratt?
Well, it’d probably look similar to how it did in Tampa Bay with Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point.
The Devils are STARVED for a shooter. Contract be damned, he’ll age just fine in the two years remaining at an $8 million cap hit. Especially in New Jersey, where he won’t be expected to take the wheel but instead just tee up passes from Hughes and Co.
Stamkos, who the Devils have already considered internally, is the shooter the Devils need. And like O’Reilly, it’s a big picture move, not one to just salvage this season.
Alex Tuch
Did you see that hat-trick Alex Tuch scored last night? Do you see anyone doing that in New Jersey?
Tuch has speed, skates well in transition, forechecks, steals pucks, and has a plus shot. Need I go one?
He’s a pending free agent that will command big dollars, but his game should age fine, and in the rising cap era, it should be digestible.
It’s difficult to imagine a scenario where the blazing Buffalo Sabres sell Tuch, but if they feel they can’t come to terms on an extension and don’t want to lose him for nothing in free agency, perhaps there’s an opportunity there.
Tuch is up to 22 goals and 46 points in 52 games. He’s on pace to reach 34 goals, which would be the third time in his career eclipsing the 30-goal plateau.
Another true fit for the Devils’ top six.
Vincent Trocheck
Woah, what? A Ranger? Nichols has gone crazy.
Well, pause. Have I? If the Rangers are willing to deal with the Islanders, what’s stopping them from dealing with the Devils?
Vincent Trocheck is the Sam Bennett the Devils are missing. He can slot behind Hughes and Nico Hischier on the third line, play up in the lineup when necessary, scores, creates chances for himself and linemates, playmakes, and forechecks.
There’s a reason Bill Guerin insisted he play for Team USA.
The Rangers are listening on everyone. Panarin would be a fit, too. But the cost isn’t worth the acquisition. However, Trocheck? Sign the Devils up.
The 32-year-old center has 11 goals and 33 points this season. He typically hovers in the mid-20-goal range. He’s also quite good on the power play.
Crazier things have happened!
Jason Robertson
If you even get a hint, a whiff of Panarin and the Dallas Stars trending towards an agreement, you call Jim Nill right away about Jason Robertson.
If one happens, that means the other can’t. Panarin in Dallas would price Robertson out in Texas, and of anyone on this list, Robertson is the man to push the Devils over the top.
A multi-40-plus goal scorer, Robertson reached 46 in 2022-23. This season, he’s already at 30, and will eclipse the 35 he scored last season as he’s on pace for 46 again.
Robertson is what the Devils hoped Timo Meier would be for them. Trade whatever isn’t named Hughes or Hischier to get him.
