New Jersey Devils: 2 Young Players Could Soon Be On The Move

The New Jersey Devils have taken a bit of a weird approach to team building. They have made some trades and also acquired some established players to complement some of the core young players and to create a team that is capable of going on deep playoff runs. But at the same time, some of the moves made will push younger talent out.

This will be the case for two young players on the Devils in particular, Nico Daws and Seamus Casey. We'll kick things off with Daws.

The Devils' goaltending is at least set for the 2024-25 season with Jacob Markstrom as the starter and Jake Allen as the backup. Markstrom, acquired by the Calgary Flames, had a solid season for the Devils and the team will be looking to extend him for at least a few more years. He is their best option to keep the window wide open for the time being given his caliber of player throughout his career.

What's even more interesting is that the Devils gave Daws no opportunity moving forward to make it in the NHL with them. The team signed Allen to a five-year deal that starts this season. That is highly unlikely to be moved before Daws is. But speaking of Daws, New Jersey either has to make a decision to trade him before the start of the season or risk losing him on waivers when they inevitably send him down to the AHL after training camp. With how barren the goaltending market is, a good young goalie like Daws will not last long on waivers.

The Devils' defense is in a similar spot where there just isn't any room for a player like Casey unless there are multiple injuries. Luke Hughes will get signed and is the future number one defenseman, while Brett Pesce, Dougie Hamilton, Jonas Siegenthaler, Brenden Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic are all under contract for at least two more years at $3.4 million AAV or more. Beyond that, Simon Nemec has to find a place in the lineup too. That's seven very capable defensemen, and although Casey is exempt from waivers this season, he is ready for the NHL after scoring four goals and eight points in 14 games while averaging 12:39 of ice time per game. He could be used as a trade chip to upgrade up front ahead of a playoff run.

It could have gone a different way, but the Devils made the decisions to sign or re-sign veterans rather than putting trust in the future. It may keep the window open a bit longer, but Daws and Casey will be on the move and not around for when they could really make an impact in the NHL, which could be this coming season.