NHL Rumors: 2 New Jersey Devils Trade Candidates

After an offseason which saw the New Jersey Devils land one of the big-name defenseman in Dougie Hamilton, it was supposed to be a playoff year for the franchise, however that hasn't been the case at all. The Devils sit with a 22-33-5 record on the season and will be in the lottery conversation come the 2022 NHL entry draft. The trade deadline is fast approaching as New Jersey has a few players hot on the trade market, let's take a look at two Devils who are likely being dealt before March 21.

Mackenzie Blackwood

The one-time top prospect has found the NHL can be a humbling place as the 2021-22 season has not gone as planned. The 25-year-old netminder has recorded a 3.29 goals against average and a .894 save % in his 23 appearances this season. Blackwood is signed through next season at $2.8 million against the cap, a number that won't scare many teams away. The Thunder Bay, ON native is one of the hottest names on the goalie market and has recently been linked to the Edmonton Oilers who continue to look for their goaltender of the future. Blackwood recently changed agents and it's in large part due to the ongoing trade talks. There's a 65% chance he's dealt before Monday's deadline.

Excited to welcome Mackenzie Blackwood to the #OctagonFamily! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/I1pEWC5eS4

— Octagon Hockey (@OctagonHockey) March 9, 2022

P.K Subban

Salary retention or a flat out release are two things floating around as P.K Subban's name is out there to be moved. He's making a massive $9 million this season and even at $4.5 million is overpaid. So far in 57 games Subban's recorded 18 points and if he's dealt out of Jersey, look for the deal to be a three-team trade where two teams end up retaining salary and the team left standing with the right-handed defenseman only has to pay $2.25 million. There's a number of teams who would be interested in his services at a $2.25 million cap hit prorated for the rest of the season. The Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs have all kicked tires so we'll see what kind of rabbit gets pulled out of the hat with this one.

Photo credit:   Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports