Lets make a deal - Read description - Asset consolidation

Team: 2021-22 New Jersey Devils

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 2, 2021

Published: Apr. 2, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

As the devils are finally starting to show some development and identity within the franchise, they seem to have a good problem. That being, a core I would feel comfortable keeping intact for the next decade or so, but not enough roster spots for the abundance of solid assets they have collected during what feels like almost a decade-long rebuild. Its always good to have guys that can be called up or fill-in, but theres a point where it becomes absurd to keep so many nhl-caliber players out of an NHL lineup. Or, have guys with top-6 ability/potential getting 4th line minutes.

I think there is going to have to be a point where the devils trade 1-3 of these guys + some early round picks in order to maximize talent in the nightly lineup. Not trying to make an EA NHL style trade here where you just trade you last 5 years of 6th round picks for a superstar; however, I think all of the guys on the left side are of a relatively high caliber, and I wanted to visually organize the full extent of NHL-caliber assets within the franchise at this moment.


Left Side are players I would be willing to trade. The top ones in "left wing" I would prefer not to trade, but would be willing to do so as a part of a monumental deal/upgrade. E.g. if you wanted to trade sevo for hamilton or something, That would clearly be an upgrade. Just an example dont get mad please.

Bottom left, under 'scratches,' are the real issue, where the devils have about 10 FWD and 2 D that have either already proven that they can be full-time NHLers, or appear very likely to be full time-NHLers in the next 1-2 years. The level of potential varies of course, with Mercer and Boqvist seeming to have the most offensive upside, and top-6 potential. I would say they are at least B+ prospects if we are considering Holtz Nico and Hughes to be A or A+ prospects/assets.

Right side are the untouchable pieces in Nico, Holtz Hughes, Blackwood, Smith.

Center are players that are probably considered dead weight, or will not be on the team when their contracts expire in 1-2 years. I imagine they have very little trade value at this point in comparison to all of the guys on the left side.