Devils Targeting 4 Veteran Forwards
The New Jersey Devils are in a competitive race as the Eastern Conference is tougher to be in a playoff spot than the West at this time. Injuries and poor play in net have definitely hampered what was a strong start to the season. But this is a team that feels their window to win is now and will make moves to try to accomplish that goal.
Injuries or not, the Devils are looking to bring in some talent that can help this season and beyond. David Pagnotta said, "The Devils are exploring multiple things here...bringing in somebody that can provide additional firepower up front. They've been connected to Stamkos and O'Reilly, Brayden Schenn, Blake Coleman."
In order to make a move that the Devils are hoping for, it will likely entail moving on from one of their lesser productive veterans this season as it's time for them to move on. Dougie Hamilton and Ondrej Palat both have some trade protection, so it won't necessarily be easy, but Kevin Weekes and Elliotte Friedman mentioned both have been involved in trade discussions with the Devils.
The Nashville Predators are second last in the NHL in points and once again, their attempt to be competitive hasn't worked for the second season in a row. Players like Steven Stamkos, who haven't worked in Nashville, make sense to be moved first. He can still score, and there's a good chance he's more impactful on a better team. As for O'Reilly, he is a great replacement for an injured Jack Hughes (regularly), or even the third line center to make the Devils very deep down the middle. His two-way ability would take some stress off the goalies. Stamkos is signed for two more years after this season at $8 million AAV and O'Reilly has another year left on his deal at $4.5 million AAV.
The St. Louis Blues might have worked their way within three points of a playoff spot, but they are not a playoff team and not the same team as last season. It's time for more moves and Schenn is an obvious one for them to trade and contenders to target. He is a playoff-type player that the Blues can retain cap on to make available to more teams. He's a second or third line player who can play center or the wing. He has just six goals and 13 points on the season and is -20, but once again, his numbers probably look worse playing on a team with only 88 goals scored this season and 125 against. He has two more years left on his deal at $6.5 million AAV.
The Calgary Flames, despite being a bad team, have held their ground and not made any moves despite needing to change things up. That doesn't mean there isn't lots of noise surrounding them for a number of players. In this case, Coleman could find his way back to where he started in New Jersey with his gritty, two-way style of play that could bolster the third line. He has a $4.9 million AAV cap hit for one more year and has 10 goals and 15 points on the season. The 34-year-old would likely be the cheapest of the four to acquire.
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