As the holiday season wraps up, the New Jersey Devils find themselves at the center of several intriguing news items and swirling rumors. From potential blockbuster trades to the continued brilliance of Jesper Bratt, here's a look at the latest buzz surrounding the team.
Stamkos Watch Intensifies
The biggest story continues to be the Devils' potential interest in acquiring veteran forward Steven Stamkos from the Nashville Predators. According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the Devils have internally discussed acquiring Stamkos to bolster their offense. The Devils were also among the suitors for Stamkos when he was a free agent in 2024. At 35 years old, Stamkos has 597 career goals and 615 assists for 1,212 points. While not the player he once was, he has 15 goals in 36 games this season and could provide a boost to the Devils' power play.
However, several factors complicate a potential deal. Stamkos carries a $8 million AAV contract, and the Devils would need to move money to make the deal work. Moving Ondrej Palat and his $6 million cap hit could be a solution. Stamkos also possesses a full no-move clause, giving him control over his destination. Despite these hurdles, LeBrun believes the Devils "make the most sense" as a potential landing spot. It remains to be seen whether the Devils will aggressively pursue Stamkos as the March 6 trade deadline approaches.
Bratt's Brilliance Continues
While trade rumors dominate headlines, Jesper Bratt's performance on the ice has been a consistent bright spot for the Devils. Despite some concerns about his offense, Bratt continues to be a key contributor, showcasing his playmaking ability and scoring touch. His $7.875 million AAV contract looks increasingly like a bargain as he consistently drives the Devils' offense. Bratt's continued success is crucial for the Devils, especially with key players like Jack Hughes dealing with injuries.
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
The Devils have been battling the injury bug throughout the season. Brett Pesce recently returned from an upper-body injury, providing a boost to the team's defense. However, Arseny Gritsyuk was placed on injured reserve. Jack Hughes recently returned after missing 18 games to a hand injury. Timo Meier has been activated from the non-roster list, while Xavier Parent and Calen Addison have been assigned to the AHL.
Other Devils News
The Devils have named their fourth Ring of Honor member. The team recently faced the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres, with mixed results. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is reportedly exploring trade options to address the team's needs. The Devils were linked to Kings center Phillip Danault.
