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The NHL trade deadline is quickly approaching and it appears, though they're not currently in a playoff spot, that Lou Lamoriello and the Devils intend to be buyers.
It's possible Lamoriello moves Martin Brodeur as a favor to him, but any other transaction the Devils are involved in will be made to better the team and increase their chances of making the playoffs this season.
Here are some players that could potentially be traded to the Devils by Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET:
LW Mike Cammalleri - Calgary
Contract: $6 million cap hit, UFA after the season
It's no secret that the Devils need to score more goals - it's been an issue all season - and Cammalleri is a guy that could help out in that area. While he's struggled to put the puck in the net of late, he's still on pace for 20 goals this season and over a full 82-game slate he'd be on pace for about 25. Cammalleri scores a hair under a goal per 60 minutes of 5 vs 5 and would lead the Devils in that category should they get their hands on him.
He'd cost much less than a guy like Thomas Vanek would, and a change of scenery could really benefit him.
RW Ales Hemsky - Edmonton
Contract: $5 million cap hit, UFA after the season
Targeting Hemsky would make a lot of sense for the Devils. His numbers aren't overly impressive this season, but he hasn't been utilized properly and, like Cammalleri, he could really benefit from a change of scenery. Anyone who has doubt about Hemsky as a player should look no further than to how he played with Czech Republic over the Olympics when he tied Marek Zidlicky for the team lead in scoring, despite averaging only 12 minutes a game.
Rumor has it Hemsky would only cost a 3rd round pick, which is a steal in my opinion, and he'd not only improve the Devils top-6, but he'd bring a much needed element of speed and acquiring him would get Lamoriello one step closer to icing the entire Czech team's roster.
C David Legwand - Nashville
Contract: $4.5 million, UFA after the season
Nashville isn't too far out of a playoff spot, but the general consensus among media members is that the Predators are willing to sell off a few assets in hopes of building a brighter future. One name that has popped up a fair bit is David Legwand, who has spent his entire career in Nashville. He's on pace for over 50 points, which is an impressive feat playing for the Preds, and has posted relatively good possession numbers on a mediocre team.
I get the feeling Pete DeBoer doesn't get overly excited about Andrei Loktionov's game and I could see the Devils looking for an upgrade down the middle at the line three center spot. Acquiring Legwand could improve an already strong power play, and he'd give the Devils an established playmaker to distribute the puck to Ryane Clowe and Michael Ryder.
As I've said before, I like Loktionov's game but this is a move I could see coming to fruition.
A few pie in the sky targets: Evander Kane, Marian Gaborik, Matt Moulson and Thomas Vanek. All four would address the Devils' need for more goal scoring ability on the wing, but the asking price for each player is likely more than the Devils are willing to give up.
This will be an interesting 48 hours, so be sure to
follow me on twitter for updates.
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What could Lou Lamoriello fetch for Martin Brodeur?
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Is Mike Cammalleri a good fit in New Jersey?
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