Several top Devils will figure prominently in the NHL trade rumour mill this offseason.
- Despite the optimism that came with landing big name free agent Dougie Hamilton and hopes of a young core leading the team to the next level, there is still plenty of work to be done.
- That work starts soon, with the offseason about to get underway for the teams that find themselves on the outside of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- Rumours of a growing rift and perhaps irreparable relationship between MacKenzie Blackwood and the Devils organization have simmered for months. Disagreements ranging from injury management, to vaccination status, to the general direction of the team, appear to have led to Blackwood's camp requesting a change of scenery. Management hasn't been happy with Blackwood's play, and could be ready to turn elsewhere. Hard to believe Blackwood was on Team Canada's goalie shortlist for the Olympics this past winter.
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- That work starts soon, with the offseason about to get underway for the teams that find themselves on the outside of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- Rumours of a growing rift and perhaps irreparable relationship between MacKenzie Blackwood and the Devils organization have simmered for months. Disagreements ranging from injury management, to vaccination status, to the general direction of the team, appear to have led to Blackwood's camp requesting a change of scenery. Management hasn't been happy with Blackwood's play, and could be ready to turn elsewhere. Hard to believe Blackwood was on Team Canada's goalie shortlist for the Olympics this past winter.
- Pavel Zacha's name continues to swirl as well. He figured prominently in the trade deadline rumour mill, and that's likely to carry on into the summer. Montreal and Vancouver figure to be major players in the Zacha sweepstakes.
- Another name that's begun to swirl is Jesper Bratt. Though New Jersey has every intention of signing their fan-favourite forward to a long term extension, he's vulnerable to an offer sheet this summer. There are whispers that some teams are quietly preparing their best offers for the young forward, something that can force a trade either involving the targeted player or force the targeted team to trade another player to make cap space. We saw plenty of offer sheet fireworks last summer when the Hurricanes made a public scene of their successful offer sheet on Jesperi Kotkaniemi (after the Canadiens attempted likewise on Sebastian Aho).
- Damon Severson was high on a number of team's lists at the trade deadline and should be of interest this summer, but with another year left on his deal, New Jersey doesn't have to make a decision just yet. Many teams, including the Leafs, have kicked tires.
- Andreas Johnsson's name was out there a little bit at the trade deadline as well. I'd be curious to see if he ends up getting moved around the draft.
- After another season out of the playoffs, major change is coming in New Jersey.
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