Équipe: 2019-20 Devils du New Jersey

Date de création initiale: 12 mars 2019

Publié: 12 mars 2019

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Even though the Devils have the cap space, no big UFA will want to go to a team with 1 playoff win in 7 years. The only viable way to improve is internally, drafting or via trade.

VGK Trade: Vegas is going to have a tough time signing William Karlsson without shedding cap. Reilly Smith is someone who has become less of a priority with the Stone signing, and is a long-term 3rd liner for Vegas with the emergence of Tuch. Zacha is a high potential, low cost player who can fit perfectly on their 3rd line and PK. Taking on Clarkson's finally year will also be much needed cap relief.

WSH Trade: Burakovsky has fallen out of favor in WSH, but is still a very talented winger. Zajac and Coleman have been very strong together since being put on the same line last season, and maybe they can bring more out of Burakovsky's game. WSH gets a gritty bottom 6 forward who is great on the PK as well as a 3rd.

LAK Trade: The Devils need help at LHD, but not necessarily long-term with Butcher and Smith developing into strong top 4 dmen. Martinez is perfect for bridging the gap because of his versatility and PK abilities. By the time his contract is up, Smith will hopefully be ready to take over the top pairing. The rebuilding Kings get 2 good prospects who could really benefit from increased opportunity as well as a 2nd Round Pick.

Lastly: these moves make cap sense and allow for deadline trades if the team is fighting for a playoff spot in 2020. The Devils will still have plenty of assets to play with to get forward help or defensive depth at the deadline.

1.

2.

3.