NJ Devils soon to become sellers

It’s pretty much common knowledge of who some of the sellers are going to be at this years trade deadline. Phoenix, Buffalo, Toronto, Edmonton and Carolina; but one team that does have allot of desirable veterans will be the New Jersey Devils.  As of today the Devils are 12 points out of the 2^nd wildcard; less than 24 hours  after losing 2-1 to the Oilers hopes is quickly going away. The Devils are one of the older teams in the league; they have allot of young defenseman but very prospects up front.

Jagr

Most teams are said to be after Yotes center Antoine Vermette; but it could come with a hefty price tag of a 1^st rounder with a top prospect. I’d look at the top teams in the East (Bruins, Habs, Penguins) to turn their attention to the legendary Jaromir Jagr. His price tag would not be as high, but should be considered just as if not more valuable to those teams.

Jagr’s desire to leave New Jersey should not be questioned, he was a huge supporter of now ex coach Peter Deboer. “That would be one of the biggest mistakes they could make,”Jagr said on Dec 15 before Deboer was axed. “To be honest with you, without our coaches and the system we play, it would be a lot worse.”

Marek Zidlicky

For teams that either lose out on or don’t pay the hefty price for Franson, Sekara or Hejda; they likely will take a long look at Zidlicky. He’s still an offensive minded defenseman who at times can quarterback the first PP unit. He should be in the bottom pairing of defense, but can easily play top 4 minutes if required.  He could be acquired for a late 2^nd/ early 3^rd rounder or a B level prospect.

Michael Ryder

Ryder is a veteran who has been through the Stanley Cup wars; could be very useful to a team looking for some depth up front, and could very easily play the 2^nd unit PP.

He has been in the doghouse in New Jersey; so one could assume he could be had for a 4^th rounder or less. He has a cap friendly 3.5 million (if acquired at the deadline would be less than 1.5 million). He also has 18 playoff goals in 57 games, so fair to say he doesn't disappear come the 2^nd season.

Other vets could be had for right price

Steve Bernier would be a perfect fit on many 4^th lines; he was also a key veteran when the Devils went to the Cup finals 3 years ago. At 600k, you’d be adding less than 250k to the teams salary cap and in today's day and age; he adds some toughness as well.

Scott Gomez should attract some attention and at a very low asking price. Like Ryder could be used on the 2^nd PP unit; allot of teams Jets, Bruins and Stars could use extra depth for the stretch run.

Less likely to move is Martin Havlat, the often injured European has a bigger cap hit at 1.5 million. Rest assured teams like San Jose & Minnesota will stay free and clear of Havlat; they have been there and done that.

If Lou is willing to eat some salary

If and only if the Devils are willing to eat some salary they might be able to move Danius Zubrus (1 yr @3.1 million) & Tuomo Ruutu (1 yr 3.8 million cap hit). Both are useful 3^rd liners on an average team looking to add some size. One would assume if the Devils were to eat some salary the price would go up slightly (4^th or 5^th rounder). The other trade option would be if the Devils were to take back a bad contract (but the player would need to be younger).