With the trade deadline less than a month away and the Devils having struggled to score all season long, general manager Lou Lamoriello has taken it upon himself to try and get some help.

One name that's been thrown around a lot, most recently by Elliotte Friedman in his 30 Thoughts column, is Calgary Flames forward Mike Cammalleri.

Cammalleri, 31, is having a down season in Calgary but is still on pace for 22 goals in 65 games, which equates to about 27 in a full season.

Even with Cammalleri struggling by his standards, he is still averaging over a goal per 60 minutes of 5 vs 5 hockey. No current Devils player could say that.

What it comes down to, for me, is what Brian Burke's asking price is, which is an area it could get mucky. The Devils don't have a 1st rounder at their disposal this season, and because of that they're not in a position to move their 2nd round pick this year, either. Giving up all your picks in the top-60 is a recipe for disaster.

Chances are Burke will ask for next year's 1st rounder instead. Lamoriello would be smart to hold onto that, though, as depending what happens that could be Connor McDavid. And what would the Devils get for that pick? A 31-year-old who may play 20 games for the team then walk as a free agent.

If the Devils don't move a draft pick, the Flames will likely want to dip into the Devils' impressive pool of defense prospects. Eric Gelinas, Adam Larsson and Jon Merrill seem like sure bets to stay, as you'd want more than a rental if you were to even consider moving a player like that. That leaves the likes of Damon Severson, who's having a great season in Kelowna of the WHL, and Steve Santini as the most notable players left.

Santini is a Brian Burke-type player and was impressive for USA at the World Juniors, so he strikes me as a guy Burke could target. If he wanted a forward, I could see Stefan Matteau tickling his fancy.

I'm not about to give up on a 19-year-old forward and moving a potential top-4 defenseman at just 18 years of age isn't ideal, but if Cammalleri could get the Devils in the playoffs and/or was willing to re-sign at a reasonable price, that might be what it takes.

In a perfect world the Devils land a younger, more consistent option like Thomas Vanek or Matt Moulson. Considering they don't have a 1st round pick to dangle, the Devils would have to include players like Merrill, Gelinas or Reid Boucher in any deal. Given the state of the team, that isn't the best thing to do given the organizational need for some quality youth.

I have no doubts Mike Cammalleri could help the Devils, especially if they could squeeze into the playoffs. But is he worth what the Flames will want for him?

We may find out soon.

**

- Loktionov moved to top line.

- Pete DeBoer's not the problem.

- I recently posted my midseason rankings for the top-30 first-year NHL draft eligible players from the OHL. You can view that here.

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