Fact or Fiction: Devils Shopping for Gaborik, Bouwmeester?

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.

Brendan Shanahan, RW

The soon-to-be 40-year-old former Blueshirt is looking to stay in the game but has yet to find a team that will work for him. He is looking to stay near New York, in an attempt to avoid taking his children out of their current schools. This means the teams in the area have the best chance at signing the veteran winger.

Teams formerly known to be in the hunt were the Devils and Flyers, with Pittsburgh and the Rangers as outside possibilities.

It appears negotiations with the Flyers have fallen through, leaving Pitt and the Devils in the east. Lamoriello has expressed interest in getting Shanahan into the franchise for future management positions, but is that worth signing him?

Shanahan's agent has said they were willing to accept a fairly small contract. His cap hit would be far less to the Devils than any other star looking to be signed.

While I remain doubtful that the Devils would sign him, it still remains a possibility. I don't see what he has to offer the Devils. They have experience in Bobby Holik, Brian Rolston, Patrik Elias, and Jamie Langenbrunner. Shanahan's speed would be an issue in the fast-paced game.

However it is undeniable that he had an impact in New York, and was a solid player on the power play. We'll see what Lamoriello decides, but I don't expect to see Shanahan in a Devils jersey.

Those are the three main rumors I've been hearing, but I know there are others.

I've heard talks of waiting on the Oilers to decide which two of their three goalies they want to keep (if they decide to trim down their goalie list). I've also heard rumors of Maxim Afinogenov, but not much.

I am hoping Lamoriello does something. If they Devils want to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, they will need some help until Marty Broduer returns. The offense has been hot lately, so I am not concerned with that. But it wouldn't hurt to get players like Bouwmeester and Gaborik and also get first crack at re-signing them for next season.

Then again, I would never be willing to let Parise go, so it all depends on whom the Devils would give up. Don't be surprised if we see no change in the Devils roster. If we see any change this season, I'd expect it to be the removal of Brent Sutter and Lamoriello getting behind the bench for the playoffs.

LETS GO DEVILS!!!