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New Jersey Devils 2013 NHL Trade Deadline Preview: Potential Targets

April 2, 2013, 1:00 PM ET [37 Comments]
Todd Cordell
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With the 2013 NHL Trade Deadline just a day away, the New Jersey Devils are running out of time to make a roster changes if they desire to do so.

Factoring in expected asking prices, salaries and availability here are a few names I could see Devils President and General Manager, Lou Lamoriello, potentially targeting or making a play for.

C/W Mike Santorelli - Florida
Salary: $1.6 million
Contract status: UFA at year's end

While Santorelli is by no means a house-hold name or a fix to all of the Devils problems, he could be a good fit in New Jersey. Santorelli can play center or on the wing and can fit in anywhere in the lineup. He has a connection with Devils head coach Pete DeBoer as Santorelli had his best season in the NHL under DeBoer in 2010-11. Santorelli scored 20 goals and had 41 points that season so it's not as if he's without talent. He is a good skater, is versatile and could help the Devils in shootouts. With the Devils struggling to score and not having many assets to trade in terms of draft picks, claiming Santorelli off waivers for nothing could be a smart move.

C Boyd Gordon - Phoenix
Salary: $1.325 million
Contract status: UFA at year's end

For a team that struggles in the faceoff dot and hopes to make it to the postseason, like the Devils, Gordon would be a perfect fit. The asking price would be a mediocre prospect or pick and Gordon could be a big boost to a team looking for depth and help up the middle. Gordon is 6th in the NHL in faceoff winning percentage as he wins over 58 percent of his draws. Gordon isn't just a one trick pony, either, as he does have 10 points in 35 games this season.

W Drew Stafford - Buffalo
Salary: $4 million
Contract status: signed through 2014-15

While Stafford isn't quite as appealing as Jason Pominville, who is available, Stafford is a more likely and a much more affordable option. Stafford has put up 20+ goals and 50+ points in each of the last two full seasons he has played but is struggling to find his game in Buffalo this year. A change of scenery could do him some good and the asking price likely wouldn't be too steep. The Devils have struggled to score this year and Stafford is a guy who could help fix that. While his $4 million isn't too attractive, the Devils do have cap space and would get to keep him around for a couple years so they wouldn't be paying just for a rental player.

Note: Jaromir Jagr was on the list but has been removed due to the trade to Boston.

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