Crunching the numbers

It was trade deadline and the New Jersey Devils were part of small group of teams sitting on top of the league standings. Was it expected at the beginning of the season? Definitely! They are the defending Stanley Cup champ and most of this winning squad was back on the grind. 

Last year the Devils shown some teeth at the trade deadline with two key addition in Radulov and Klingberg and it paid off. Which bring us to this trade deadline, where the Devils were expected to be on the buyer side. And they did buy! Indeed MatsLP strokes again with two key addition.

First, one week ahead of the deadline MatsLP acquired Vincent Trocheck from Seattle. Radek Faksa and quality prospects Roni Hirvonen and Danny Zhilkin were the price to pay. NJ also gave a 7th rd pick and received a 5th rd pick in this deal. Vincent will drive the 3rd line and be part of PK1 and PP2 unit. This gives a much needed depth upfront. 

Then, at the trade deadline MatsLP went all in. He sacrificed future (a 1st, a 2nd rd pick and Lucas Johansen) for all star defensemen Seth Jones. Seth will play alongside Devon Toews on the first pair and be part of PK2 and PP2 unit. This gives the Devils one of the best defence in the RHL. 

Aside of that, MatsLP completed three minor deals. Janmark was traded to Carolina for a 5th and Adam Cracknell. The later will fit as the 4th center in Utica. He also traded Jackson Cates to Calgary for Joe Snively, another addition for the farm team. And last but not least, MatsLP traded with fellow gm Souche for Gerald Mayhew (again to boost the AHL squad). Why one would say that? Well, this one is like a lucky charm, a reminder of last year key addition of Radulov from Minnesota. Let’s hope this will bring good luck for the Devils playoff run!

Crunching the numbers

Going to the trade deadline the Devils had around 500K in remaining cap space, so they had to figure out some moves to make the 5,4M$ (around 1,1M$ remaining) of Seth Jones fit in. MatsLP managed to do that by sending Emil Bemstrom and Ronald Attard down to Utica. Then Asplund and Jones replaced Bemstrom and Attard. As of march 6th, after trades has been processed, the Devils estimated season salary cap is 81 388 118$. So, a slim 111 882$ of cap space. So, maybe Bemstrom will come back for the last games of the season when there will be enough cap space. Since MatsLP took the team in 2016, it’s the first time the Devils are that close to the cap which is a sign that they are in full on winning mode, but that leaves not much room in case of injury. 

So all in all, the New Jersey Devils added key pieces at the trade deadline. It’s an understatement that they are going for it!

Projected lineup after the trade deadline

Ehlers - Barkov - Bjorkstrand
Olofsson - Larkin - Sharangovich
Steel- Trocheck - Hathaway
Motte - Evans - Asplund

Toews - Jones
Parayko - Werenski
Chara - Klingberg

Markstrom
Jones

*Bemstrom should rejoin this group just before the playoffs and takes Asplund spot on the 4th line.