NHL Trade Rumors: 3 Trade Targets Named for NJ Devils

Alex Tuch is one of 3 listed potential trade targets for the NJ Devils this summer

The New Jersey Devils have a pretty clear need this offseason of bolstering their offense. Despite a strong regular season, their scoring depth faltered in the playoffs, as they managed just 11 goals in a five-game first-round defeat at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes. They'll be ramping up the search for a top-six winger this summer.

James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now has listed three potential trade targets to address this void:

Drake Batherson, Ottawa Senators

At 27, Batherson is coming off a career-best 68-point season. He offers steady production (20+ goals, 60+ points each of the last three seasons), and it hasn't gone unnoticed as he garnered attention from other teams back at the trade deadline. The 6'3", 200-pound forward also played his most physical game this season, dishing out 149 hits. With two years remaining on a reasonable $4.97 million AAV deal, he would be a nice fit.

Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres

Tuch, 29, is a power forward coming off his second 36-goal season in three years. The 6'4", 220-pounder has only one year remaining on his 7-year, $4.75M cap hit deal, and if an extension isn't forthcoming this summer, the Sabres could look to trade him. "The less distraction for the Buffalo Sabres (this coming season), the better," posits Nichols, refering to the hot mess that encapsulated their 2024-25 campaign.

Pavel Dorofeyev, Vegas Golden Knights

The Russian forward had a huge breakout season this year in Vegas, racking up 35 goals and 52 points, both numbers more than doubling his previous bests. The upside based on that alone makes him an intriguing trade candidate for the Devils to target. At just 24, as Nichols notes, Dorofeyev better fits in with the age of the team's core.