New Jersey Devils

Trade rumors are swirling around the Devils and Maple Leafs, centering around Travis Zajac, with the latest involving James van Riemsdyk.

By Patrick Comia

For the past few days, trade rumors have been whispering in the winds, involving the New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple leafs.

It seems that the team north of the border is not content with overhauling it’s front office with former Devils, they want it to continue with the product on the ice.

So what’s the latest rumor: a trade involving Travis Zajac and the Maple Leaf’s James van Riemsdyk.

Really?

I like the sound of that, for the Devils side. It wouldn’t be bad at all. The team would get a hometown player, who is dynamic and a proven star. His cap hit is $4.25 million, with two seasons left on his six-year contract signed in 2012.

New Jersey Devils

Zajac’s cap hit is $5.75 over the next six seasons, including 2015-2016.

In addition, van Riemsdyk (27) is three years younger than Zajac (30).

You do the math.

Also, the rise of first-round draft pick Pavel Zacha and Joseph Blandisi this preseason may lead to Zajac’s expendability.

To add to the intrigue, Zajac was drafted by former Devils and current Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello. It seems he wants to be surrounded by personnel knows, recently bringing aboard former Devils head coach Jacques Lemaire, as a team consultant.

But, that is ok. More power to him. He wants familiarity in a new surrounding. Whereas in New Jersey, current general manager Ray Shero is doing the same thing. The only difference is that Shero is giving youth a chance to thrive, while Lamoriello seems to be holding onto the past.

Good, let him. It’s just another brick that is being torned down from the old regime. The Devils need an injection of excitement on the ice, the fans are owed that.

This move, if it turns out to be true, would be a step in that direction.

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I'm a blogger trying to make it in this world. Have been, and always will be, a fan of the NYR and NYG. Writing for the New Jersey Devils cause, well, someone has to do it!