Devils Trade For Christian Jaros

New Jersey Devils have traded forward Nick Merkley for right handed defenseman Christian Jaros. Devils get some more depth on defense after acquiring defenseman Ryan Graves about a week ago. Jaros has size and can play a physical game. He later signed a two-way contract with the Devils for one year. I’m sure Fitzy is not finished as things are getting heated up. Rumors of Dougie Hamilton reported by New York Post’s writer Larry Brooks will certainly make things interesting in the next few days. Moreover, Devils are attempting to accelerate improvements in all areas.

Grading The Devils 2021-22 Draft: B+

It was obvious from Day 1 that Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald would draft Luke Hughes. Hughes is one of four top five players drafted this year and attending University of Michigan. Personally, I preferred William Eklund but Hughes is a great player with tremendous upside potential. Can’t go wrong with this pick and might incentivize Jack, his brother, to play in New Jersey for years to come. Who knows? Maybe Quinn will find his way to New Jersey as well. Only time will tell. But for now, Luke will be in Ann Arbor.

It will be awhile before we can judge the Chase Stillman pick. The kid has a good motor and Fitzgerald wanted to draft in an energy type player. I think this is a good pick because players like Stillman can bring a spark in the clutch and keep pounding away. Good pedigree and hopefully he can develop into a Miles Wood / Blake Coleman type player that can also kill penalties in the future.

Centerman Samu Salminen is a solid pick. Size (6’3”) and leadership is good to have. Depth will not be a problem down the middle. I think Samu could play a significant role in a few years.

Devils scout and former Devils goaltender Scott Clemmenson made the recommendation of selecting goalie Jakub Málek. Interesting they selected a goaltender. Watch out for defenseman Viktor Hurtig. Love to see how late rounders would fare a few years from now and this kid has the tools to break into the NHL.



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Sam Woo is co-host and executive producer of the Let's Go Devils Podcast which can be heard live every Sunday at 9pm ET and Wednesday at 8:30pm ET.

You can follow Sam on Twitter: @PrimetimeSamWoo

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