It doesn’t take long to find a hot take or heated discussion about the New Jersey Devils on the app formerly known as Twitter. So-called “Devils Twitter” is a relatively small and tight-knit community, that occasionally falls victim to infighting. This past week was no different when the online discourse surrounding the Devils centred on the different trade tiers of Devils players. The post below by the Devils fan account “The Bratt Pack” began the discussion that has run rampant on Devils Twitter for the past few days.
Devils trade pieces:
Permanent Untouchables:
Jack Hughes
Luke Hughes
Nico HischierCurrently untouchable:
Jesper Bratt
Timo Meier
Simon NemecOnly available for a blockbuster trade:
Dougie Hamilton
Alex Holtz
Dawson Mercer
Seamus Casey— The Bratt Pack (@TheBrattPack63) December 26, 2023
We decided to have some fun with it and create our own New Jersey Devils player trade tiers. Our trade tiers are a little different and go as follows; Untouchable, Blockbuster Trade Only, For the Right Price, Could Be Moved, Should Be Moved, Get Off the Team. In part one, we’re taking a look at the players who fall into those first three categories.
New Jersey Devils Player Trade Tiers
Untouchable
Jack Hughes
The first no-brainer of the bunch. Jack Hughes is the face of the franchise and elite-level talent, and on pace to be a top-three player in the league. He had 99 points last season and is currently on pace for a 118-point season. A mutiny would happen outside of the Prudential Center if they ever traded him. Not to mention he’s on a team-friendly $8 million per season for the next seven years. Hughes is a safe bet to be a Devil for life.
Nico Hischier
Jack is the face of the franchise, but Nico is the heart and soul. Hischier was named captain at just 22 years old because of his work ethic, ability, and leadership on and off the ice. His production over the past few years has continued to get better, reaching a career-high 80 points last season. He was the Selke runner-up last year, but without a doubt should bring home some hardware shortly. Hischier is the personification of the New Jersey Devils.
Jesper Bratt
A few years ago Bratt looked like he was headed out the door. Now he has become one of the most instrumental parts of the team. He just signed a long-term team-friendly contract and is on pace to record his third straight 70+ point season. There’s no scenario where the Devils should trade a player like Bratt.
Luke Hughes
The last name plays a big factor in Luke Hughes being untouchable. That being said, he is still an uber-talented, young defenceman with elite potential. Hughes has shown his first year that he can be the face of a Stanley Cup-winning d-core. Being a Norris calibre player and the younger brother of the face of the organization makes him as untouchable as it gets.
Blockbuster Trades Only
Timo Meier
The Devils just acquired Meier last year in their blockbuster trade. Not to mention signed him to an eight-year extension. Despite struggles this season, Meier is as pure of a power forward as they come. He showed last postseason how much of a difference-maker and a wrecking ball he can be. Maybe in a few years, he could get moved, but for now, it would take something massive.
Simon Nemec
You don’t trade second-overall picks unless they completely flame out. Nothing that Nemec has shown this season suggests that. In fact, through just a handful of NHL games, Nemec has shown that he will be very capable of top pair minutes for years and years to come. Never say never, but it would take something monumental to move on from Nemec this early.
Dawson Mercer
Mercer’s name was floated around during the Meier negotiations last spring, and luckily nothing came to fruition. He’s the exact type of player you need to win a Cup. At just 22 years old he has yet to miss a game in three seasons. His name will likely get thrown around if the Devils ever go after a top player, but it would have to be a really special player coming back to move on from Mercer.
Dougie Hamilton
Dougie is a tricky one. On one hand, he’s a point-producing, offensive machine on the back end for the Devils. His absence from injury has been felt in all aspects of the game and the Devils are a worse team without him. On the other hand, he’s owed $9 million for the next four seasons and is on the wrong side of 30. For now, his impact on the team is too great to move him, but as he ages his value likely plummets. Check back in two years and see where he’s at.
For the Right Price
Alexander Holtz
Like Mercer, Holtz avoided being included in the Mercer deal despite his name being brought up. In his first full season, Holtz has looked like a great young piece. His skating has improved and his shot has played at the NHL level like everyone hoped. However, there still seems to be an aura around him that the coaches aren’t convinced. Holtz should have a future in the top six, but at the same time could be the main piece in a big trade.
John Marino
Since coming over in a trade two years ago, Marino has been very reliable on the back end. He doesn’t bring much offence, but he’s great at shutting down plays and breaking up odd-man rushes. Marino still has three years left at $4.4 million per season, which is unbelievable value for a top-four defenceman. Marino should be a staple for a championship-winning team, but for the right price could be moved.
Jonas Siegenthaler
Siegenthaler is in a nearly identical situation as Marino. He’s a steady, reliable defender who doesn’t bring much offence. Also like Marino, Siegenthaler is on a team-friendly $3.4 million person season. The lack of offence holds him back and is what makes him potentially available for the right price.
Michael McLeod
Certainly a name most people will be surprised to see. However, McLeod has been one of the most underrated and valuable Devils over the past two seasons. His game is highlighted by being the best face-off taker in the league, as well as one of the team’s best two-way forwards. McLeod is having a terrific 2023-24 season and should find his way to a long-term extension this offseason. That being said, he is still a bottom-six forward, and if a team offers up something good, they shouldn’t be over hesitant to make a deal.
Akira Schmid
Yes, Schmid has not been great this season. But a poor start shouldn’t negate all the good work he did last year. Schmid was great all last season and electric in the playoffs. He’s still just 23 years old with room to blossom into a solid goalie. It remains to be seen if he’s the answer in net long term, but not worth giving up on for pennies on the dollar.
Make sure to check back in with Part Two of New Jersey Devils Player Trade Tiers, where we will cover the remaining three tiers.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
