The NHL trade deadline is approaching and the Devils could be buyers or sellers. If they're buyers, which Devil(s) could be getting the boot?
The NHL deadline is coming up and we all know that Lou Lamoriello has been thinking about how to turn the Devils into a Stanley Cup contender. Assuming this is Lou's goal, the Devils will likely be looking to add a scoring presence to the Devils forward corps. While we have no idea who Lou is looking at outside the organization, let's take a look at who is and is not available to be moved by March 5th.
No Trade/Movement Clause Players
There are several players who fall under this category and will be staying on the team through the end of the season unless they waive their NMC/NTC clause.
Forwards: Ryane Clowe, Patrick Elias, Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus
Defensemen: Anton Volchenkov, Marek Zidlicky
Safe Players
Technically, the rest of the Devils are fair game to be traded, but there are still a few players I don't think Lou will move at all. I doubt Adam Henrique or Jaromir Jagr will be moved. Jagr has publicly stated that he does not want to leave the Devils. As for Henrique, I don't see Lou trading him given the large contract Lou gave Adam not too long ago. Other players I don't see being traded: Andy Greene and Bryce Salvador. Salvador won't be traded because he's the captain and I don't think Greene is valued by outsiders as much as he should be and thus Lou won't trade him.
That leaves a slew of players available to be traded. Again, this post is assuming that the Devils will be buyers at the deadline. As we all know, the Devils are in the market for an offensive player who can turn on that little red light behind the opponents goal. Therefore, I doubt Lou will move any forwards who contribute to the offense unless the return is spectacular. So, who may be on the block?
On The Block - Forwards
Ryan Carter, Steve Bernier, and Stephen Gionta: The CBGB line has been the Devils fourth line for a few season and I wouldn't be surprised if any of those three players are moved at the deadline. I doubt they would bring much back in return, but they could be add-ons to a trade.
Andrei Loktionov: The man has potential, so there could be value if Lou moves him with one of the defenseman below.
Jacob Josefon: I doubt any team is willing to trade for Josefson. It is time to face reality, Josefson is a busted 1st round pick and most of the NHL already knows that.
Reid Boucher: Talk about a sexy prospect. Not in terms of attractiveness, well.. maybe, but Boucher beat Stamkos' goal record with the Sting and to many NHL GM's, that is sexy. The ability to come into the AHL and consistently score is something that proves he is ready to step up to the NHL soon.
On the Block - Defensemen
Mark Fayne: Fayne is a serviceable defenseman. There may be a team out there looking to add a little depth at the blue line heading into the playoffs.
Peter Harrold: We can all hope that he gets traded for something. My dream is that we trade him for a 7th round pick, but that's just dreaming.
Adam Larsson: Yes, he is still developing. Yes, he could be the next Lidstrom. As of now, he is not and if Lou sees an opportunity to move Larsson and a pick for a top offensive player, I wouldn't lose a wink of sleep over that trade.
Eric Gelinas: I believe Gelinas is being groomed to run the Devils power play. So, its highly unlikely Gelinas is traded.
Jon Merrill: Merrill is an interesting prospect. He played extremely well at Michigan and succeeded in the AHL. We will likely see him in the NHL for awhile now and Lou could use this quick progress to his advantage. Merrill has put up a point in 65% of his AHL games. That's not too shabby and I think many NHL teams will look at that and be willing to move a strong forward for Merrill.
Now, the last player who I've neglected to mention is Martin Brodeur. There has been rumors there may be interest for him. I don't think the interest is coming from playoff ready teams. I think the interest is coming from teams that operate mainly to create income, like the Florida Panthers. They would use Brodeur as a promotion to increase ticket sales. I believe the Devils should trade Brodeur if they can get any return for him. Why not?
Who do you think the Devils will move? Do you believe they will be buyers? Thanks for reading and let's hope for a few sensible trades from Lou and Company.