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The Devils Acquire a Depth Role Player

Tom Fitzgerald extension

The New Jersey Devils have made a little splash in the 2024 NHL trade deadline pool. They have made a trade with the Colorado Avalanche for Kurtis MacDermid. In return, the Avs are looking for a future asset, with a seventh-round pick and forward prospect Zakhar Bardakov.

The Avalanche Trade Kurtis MacDermid

In acquiring Kurtis MacDermid by trade, the Devils are getting an experienced role player. MacDermid, 29, is a seven-year NHL veteran and played a further two years of pro hockey at the AHL level. Unfortunately for MacDermid, he has not played at the level that a competitive Avs team necessitates. In fact, throughout his career, he has been a sub-10 minute-a-night player. However, what he does bring is size and toughness and just an overall physical presence. MacDermid clocks in at 6’5” and 233 lbs and has more career penalty minutes than games played. Also, his hit numbers are decent, considering the lack of ice time. In 249 career games, he has amassed 489 hits.

What Does This Trade Mean for the Devils Blueline

This is a smart move in the sense that it helps hold other Devil defencemen accountable. The Devils as a team have struggled defensively in 2023-24, although a lot of the blame falls on the goaltenders. But between injuries and inconsistent play, their team defence has not been very strong. For example, their top offensive defenceman, Dougie Hamilton has only managed 20 games played. It has been a bit of a revolving door, as seven other D have played 38 games or more. Bringing in someone of MacDermid’s size and focus on defence, can help put the pressure off others, and give them more freedom. Especially adding depth for a playoff run is never a bad idea.

What Does This Trade Mean for the Avalanche

For the Avalanche the Kurtis MacDermid trade makes sense because he lacks opportunity. He was also a pending UFA, so they do acquire assets for someone they were unlikely to re-sign. The one asset they acquired, Zakhar Bardakov, has never been a scorer but could project as a bottom-six guy. He is still only 23 years old and versatile as he can play centre or on the wing.

Main photo: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports

Levi Pike, Editor

Levi Pike, Editor

Levi Pike is an editor and writer here at Last Word on Hockey. He has lived all over Canada but grew up in Nanaimo, BC. Currently, he lives with his loving wife, three kids, and dog in the capital of the Easterly most province of Canada, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. He’s passionate about hockey, in particular, the Ottawa Senators and statistics. He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Statistics at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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