As injuries have seemingly plagued almost every team in the NHL, trade rumors have been floating around even more than usual. Be it injured stars, underachievers, or disgruntled players, there are some big names that teams are looking to send packing.
However a few have been given some attention by the Devils, and I'm interested in hearing what everyone has to say about it.
The three latest rumors I have heard lately that the New Jersey Devils have expressed interest in are injured Minnesota star Marian Gaborik, disgruntled Jay Bouwmeester in Florida, and veteran free agent Brendan Shanahan.
As a Devils fan, I know that Lou Lamoriello has always been pretty hesitant to make a trade. In fact, the last serious trade I can remember was to the Stars. The Devs shipped out Jason Arnott and Randy McKay and received now-captain Jamie Langenbrunner and faceoff-star Joe Nieuwendyk. Let's see what would make sense for the Devils.
Marian Gaborik, RW
The 26-year-old star in Minnesota is injured yet again with a "lower body injury," which more than likely refers to another groin injury, which kept him out last season, as well. The young star has had some rough seasons.
He puts points up on the board, and few can forget his five-goal game against the New York Rangers, but it is a fact that the Wild organization is becoming frustrated with "Gabby." His continuous injuries don't help the situation.
A rumor has been floating around that Lamoriello has put the Devils in the running for the young lefty, as Minnesota has begun shopping Gabby around. It is more likely that he will not be dealt until right before the trade deadline to peak interests and get the most value for him, but whom could the Devils possibly trade?
I heard rumors of the Devils attempting to deal Patrik Elias; however, his contract prevents a trade unless he is willing to leave the Devils, which I do not believe is the case.
Rumors have also mentioned that a trade with Minnesota (if it were to happen) would likely include Devils star Zach Parise. I do not think Lamoriello would be willing to part with him.
Parise has yet to incur a serious injury and is having a fantastic start to the 2008-09 season, so there is little reason to deal him. Not to mention Gabby's large contract. The Devils have little room in their books for such a big time player, and would likely not be able to afford him. We'll see what happens.
Jay Bouwmeester, D
The young, strong defenseman from Florida is looking to leave but the situation seems to be pretty complicated. Florida has yet to get serious about trading Bouwmeester, who has made it pretty clear that he wants out.
Bouwmeester is a UFA after this season, but can the Devils afford his $4.875 million contract? It's doubtful. Regardless, how does this impact the Devils?
The New Jersey Devils do not really have a solid offensive defenseman that can quarterback their power play unit. Their first power-play unit has Anssi Salmela on the blueline as of now, a young and inexperienced defenseman who has struggled a bit. Johnny Oduya is known for his ability to rush the puck up ice but doesn't do it enough
Bouwmeester would provide the Devils with a solid QB for their power play, as well as some size on the blue-line which they greatly lack. Their largest defenseman, Colin White, seems to hit the least out of any of the Devils D-men, which is frustrating to watch.
5 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jeff Badger 7 months ago
I can't see Jersey ponying up for either of these guys at the deadline, and that's when they will be traded. Jay Bo is going to land the Panthers a ton, and value is highest at the deadline. Lou isn't the type to overpay, and Jay Bo could garner a similar package to what the Pens gave Altanta last year.
Minnesota is taking it hard on Gaborik. They know he's going to walk, and now his trade stock is in the toilet because he hasn't played since week 1. So, Lou might be more interested as Gaborik won't cost him as much as a trade. To further reduce Minnesota's trade leverage, Gaborik is heavily rumoured to be covetting signing in LA to play with Kopitar. He isn't likely to agree to a contract negotiation clause, and after the Hossa thing last year, GM's will be hesitant to take him.
That said, your salary concerns aren't that troublesome - these would be trades, not signings. Holik is off the books next year, and some salary would certainly be going ack in the deal - Minnesota will need an established roster player, and would probably want Elias. I doubt Lou has fallen out of love with his best player already, so he's not going anywhere.
I honestly don't see the Devils
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JYOUNG 7 months ago
I agree, and I have heard the L.A. rumor for Gaborik. And there's no way Elias is leaving, although frankly I wouldn't mind depending on who we got. As for Bouwmeester, I never expected the Devils to get him. He would come for too high a price, and frankly we don't have the assets to get him. Like you said, Gaborik would be a much easier grab, but again, I don't see who we could give up that Minnesota would want. Maybe Zajac or someone like that who is a 2nd line hopeful.
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Sebastien Tremblay 7 months ago
Parise is a star for the Devils and should stay right there for years to come. Lamoriello would be the stupidest GM if he traded his rising star for an injured one. If Parise was playing lets say with Pittsburg, his production would rise significantly. The Devil's ultra-defensive system is what is holding him back a bit. So Gaborik for Parise sound like a horrible idea.
Bouwmeester honestly wouldnt fit in NJ. His style of play is more offensive than defensive. I think he'd have a hard time fitting in that kind of system. Plus, I don't believe he is that "puck moving defensemen" everybody is looking for. If he was really that much of an impact player, Florida would be doing better by now.
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JYOUNG 7 months ago
I agree completely about Parise, but disagree about Bouwmeester. He's a solid defenseman who's offensive play I think would benefit us a lot. I see him as a bigger Brian Rafalski. Someone who can move the puck, get a solid shot on net and make things happen, but is also very capable of playing a defensive game. He is definitely an impact player, and you can't judge him just by how his team does. Florida has always been horrible. Look at Kovalchuk. Without a doubt one of the best offensive players in the league. Without a doubt an impact player. Where is Atlanta now? Last place: 8-14-3. You can't blame it on one player.
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Phil DeHaven 7 months ago
Shanny probably has the best shot at wearing a Devils jersey this season because of what you just said, "Lou is hesitant to make any major trades." Lou likes what he has right now and it will be interesting to see if he toys with the roster at all but, Brendan has been rumored to be interested in NJ and if they Devils sign him late in the season they may not have to pay a lot for him. Good Article
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