The New Jersey Devils are at a critical juncture in their season, prompting serious consideration of roster and strategy changes following the fallout from failed attempts to acquire Quinn Hughes. Once considered a frontrunner to land the coveted defenseman, the Devils watched as Hughes was traded to the Minnesota Wild, a move that has seemingly had a palpable impact on the team's morale and performance.
The Devils' initial strong start to the season has given way to struggles, highlighted by a recent 9-0 defeat, a low point that has amplified concerns about the team's direction. This slump has triggered a wave of trade rumors and speculation, with General Manager Tom Fitzgerald reportedly eager to make a significant move to inject life into the team. The focus appears to be on acquiring a forward with scoring ability and versatility, preferably someone who can play center.
Several reports suggest that the Devils have set their sights on St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn. Schenn, a veteran player with a $6.5 million AAV through the 2027-28 season, could provide the Devils with valuable depth and leadership. However, acquiring Schenn presents several challenges. He possesses a 15-team no-trade clause, meaning he would need to approve any move to New Jersey. Furthermore, the Devils' current cap situation, with limited space, would necessitate clearing salary to accommodate Schenn's contract. One potential solution could involve trading Ondrej Palat, though his own no-trade list adds another layer of complexity.
The failed pursuit of Quinn Hughes has seemingly affected the team's psyche and on-ice performance. Jack Hughes has expressed his disappointment after Quinn Hughes trade to Wild. Some observers believe that missing out on Hughes could derail the Devils' season. The team's struggles have led to questions about the future of key players and the overall direction of the franchise. While Fitzgerald's job is reportedly safe, the pressure is mounting to make impactful changes.
The Devils are also facing challenges with their current roster. Injuries to key players like Jack Hughes and Evgenii Dadonov have further hampered the team's performance. Goaltending has also been an area of concern, with Jacob Markstrom's inconsistent play drawing criticism. Despite his struggles, Markstrom is set to represent Team Sweden at the upcoming Winter Olympics, along with teammate Jesper Bratt. Jack Hughes will also be representing Team USA.
As the Olympic roster freeze approaches, the Devils are under pressure to make decisions that could significantly alter the course of their season. The team's management is exploring various options, including potential trades and adjustments to the current lineup. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Devils can overcome the setbacks and emerge as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference.
