|
Devils trade Fiddler to Predators, parlay 39 games into 4th round pick |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
The New Jersey Devils made their first trade of the season on Saturday night as they dealt forward Vern Fiddler to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 4th round draft pick in 2017.
Fiddler, who was signed as a free agent in July, dressed in 39 games during his Devils career and put up just one goal and three points. Over an 82 game schedule he was on pace for seven points, which is a far cry from the 24 he has averaged over his last five full seasons.
Getting a future draft pick for Fiddler is a good thing. Getting a 4th round draft pick, and not having to wait years for it, is a great thing. The Devils are now loaded with ammunition having 10 picks to their name in this year's draft. Of those 10 picks, seven are in the top-4 rounds if the Devils don't lose their 3rd as part of the Tuomo Ruutu trade (conditionals unknown).
There is value in this trade beyond getting a 4th for a guy who was signed for pennies, didn't produce and played less than 40 games. The Devils also opened up a full-time roster spot for a guy like Joseph Blandisi, who looks the part of an NHL player.
By all accounts, this was a great trade by Ray Shero. He turned an easily replaceable player, one who wasn't part of the future, into a pretty good draft pick without decreasing the team's chances of contending for a wild card spot.
Even if the Devils are in the mix come deadline time, I wouldn't be surprised if we see more trades like this with veterans P.A. Parenteau and Kyle Quincey.
Recent Posts
Short-handed goals from Henrique, Palmieri power Devils past Red Wings
Best and worst of the Devils' season to date
Metro Division bold predictions
Metro Division breakout players
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»