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TSN's Frank Seravalli recently updated the network's annual trade bait board, which currently features 25 names who *could* be moved in the coming weeks and months.
Some players are more likely to be traded than others – Jason Zucker, for example, has almost been dealt twice already – but I thought it'd be fun to look at a few names that could be of interest to the New Jersey Devils.
LW/RW – Jason Zucker
Remaining contract: four years, $5.5M per
Only four teams have scored fewer 5v5 goals than the Devils over the last three seasons. Taylor Hall provided a boost, Nico Hischier provided boost, and Jack Hughes will do the same, but it's still fair to say the Devils could use a little more pop. Zucker, who ranked 25th in goals and 44th in points at 5v5 from 2016-19, would give them just that.
He is also versatile (can play either wing), good at drawing penalties, an excellent skater, a plus-defender, and he helps drive play.
The Devils should be all over Zucker if the Wild are as intent on selling low as they seem.
RD – P.K. Subban
Remaining contract: three years, $9 million per
I don't think the Devils have an undisputed top-pairing defender on their roster. Subban is just that, even though he's no longer at the peak of his powers. Over the last three years, he's averaged better than 50 points per 82 games while posting strong on-ice numbers. He skates well, he's a much better defensively than he gets credit for, and he possesses a booming shot few can match.
Subban does carry a massive ticket, and is now on the wrong side of 30, but I am confident he'd still be a valuable player for the remainder of his deal. That the money would come off the books when it's time to give Hughes a massive raise is a nice little bonus.
If the Devils want to go big-game hunting for a marquee defenseman, and really open Taylor Hall's eyes, making a play for Subban isn't the worst idea.
RD – Jacob Trouba
Remaining contract: RFA
Trouba would cost a lot of trade assets, and a lot of money, but he might just be worth it.
He is more known for his skating, physicality, and defensive play than his offensive game but he has quietly been extremely efficient in the attacking zone.
From 2016-19, only 13 defenders averaged more points per 60 at 5v5. Mark Giordano, Kris Letang, Shea Weber, Torey Krug, and Seth Jones are just a few of the many notables Trouba surprisingly out-produced on a per 60-minute basis.
That his raw counting numbers didn't really stand out until this season was no fault of Trouba's. He just didn't get much power play time (he played almost as much on the PP in 2018-19 as the two years prior combined, and worked a lot more on the 1st unit due to injuries to Dustin Byfuglien and Josh Morrissey).
Landing Trouba might be unlikely but I have no doubt the Devils will be one of the many interested suitors.
RD – Colin Miller
Remaining contract: three years, $3.88M per
Though Miller isn't the sexiest name, especially in comparison to the other defenders I mentioned, he is a very good player.
His underlying numbers are strong, he's averaged ~40 points per 82 over the last two seasons, and his contract is very team-friendly (not that cap is an issue for the Devils right now).
Led by Hall, Hischier, Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Kyle Palmieri, the Devils are finally putting together a competent forward core. It'd be good to have a few guys who can get them the puck and push it up ice, and Miller certainly meets the criteria.
He'd also be nice insurance in the event a) Sami Vatanen is traded or; b) not re-signed a year from now.
Ray Shero has made a living out of acquiring solid contributors from cap-strapped teams. I would not be remotely surprised to see him to do again.
Info via NaturalStatTrick.com and CapFriendly.com
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