After recent online discussions surrounding the trade value of New Jersey Devils Players, we decided to take a crack at it ourselves and tier them. In part one, we tiered the Untouchables, Blockbuster Trades Only, and For the Right Pricers. In part two, we’re going to take a look at the final three tiers. Those three being; Could Be Moved, Should Be Moved, Get Off the Team.
New Jersey Devils Player Trade Tiers Part Two
Could Be Moved
Tyler Toffoli
Toffoli came over in the summer in a trade with the Flames and has had a good start to life in Jersey. He leads the team in goals with 14 and has played well in the top six. However, Toffoli is on an expiring contract and will be 32 when the next season starts. While that isn’t too old, his biggest weakness is his slow foot speed, which will only get worse with age. His goal contributions are nice, but the Devils want to play fast and that’s the antithesis of Toffoli’s game. In this case, it’s more about whether the team should re-sign him, which given his age, money, and play style, the answer is no.
Ondrej Palat
The Devils brought Palat in to be a veteran voice in the locker room and for his playoff performances. While it’s difficult to say if the former is true, the one thing we do know is the latter is true. Palat was solid for the Devils in the playoffs last season which is the main reason he’s in this tier and not the lower ones. Other than that he doesn’t play particularly fast or contribute offence. Not to mention his contract is borderline immovable at $6 million for the next three seasons. If he can be moved they should do it, but it’s hard to envision another team taking his cap hit on.
Erik Haula
Haula has been the perfect third-liner since coming over last season. He kills penalties, plays with speed and energy, and produces enough to warrant a spot in the lineup. It’s also worth mentioning he and Jack Hughes seem to be best buds. That being said, his spot on the roster is not irreplaceable, and if a better option arises, could be moved off of with ease.
Kevin Bahl
Bahl is an interesting player where he’s both a young and integral part of the future of the Devil’s defence but also could be moved to bring in a bigger fish. Bahl has limited offensive upside but plays an old-fashioned physical game that fits well on a third pairing. He’s a great young player, but if an opportunity comes to improve they shouldn’t hesitate.
Curtis Lazar
The acquisition of Lazar was surprising last trade deadline, but he has been solid since coming over. Lazar has earned more ice time this season and has done well with it. He plays fast and reckless in all the best ways. Not to mention he’s on pace for career highs across the board and under contract for another year at just $1 million. Because he’s a bottom sixer the possibility of being moved is there, but they shouldn’t.
Should Be Moved
Vitek Vanecek
After a solid 2022-23, it’s been all bad for Vanecek this season. His 3.28 GAA and 0.884 SV% are all career lows. He has been mistake-prone all season and it’s no surprise the Devils are linked with almost every available goalie. Vanecek has one more season under contract, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they move on from him within the next six months. It’s harsh for a goalie who won 30 games last year, but necessary.
Nate Bastian
“Bass” is a fan favourite which is why this is hard to say. But Bastian’s time on the Devils is running out. He doesn’t produce much on either end of the ice and lacks a lot of intangibles other than just being big. There are plenty of options both in and outside of the organization that could produce more than him, while also bringing more speed and skill.
Colin Miller
After a poor preseason and missing the first month with injury, Miller has been solid since entering the lineup. He was brought in to be a bottom pair/depth defenceman and has done so admirably. Miller’s game has fallen off slightly over the weeks but he warrants game time more than a certain someone else that we’ll get to. However, if the chance comes up to improve that spot, Miller shouldn’t be holding them back.
Get Off the Team
Brendan Smith
The so-called certain someone who was just mentioned. Smith has had a few okay moments, particularly on the PK, but has overall been a tough watch. Lindy Ruff loves to play him despite constant mistakes and being out of position. His trade value is next to nothing, and luckily Smith is a free agent after this season.
Chris Tierney
Tierney earned a contract after coming in as a PTO but has done next to nothing. The best thing for the Devils to do is move him either through trade or waivers and allow a young player to earn ice time. He has 0 points through 13 games and brings nothing much to the table.
Tomas Nosek
This one is more unfortunate because of injury, but Nosek should be moved once he returns from IR. At the time it looked like a great value signing, but in limited action, Nosek hasn’t done much. His skating is below average and was mainly used for PK and face-offs. But with McLeod and Lazar doing that job much better it’s best if his spot goes to a younger player.
Main Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
