Heading into the Mar. 1 trade deadline, the New Jersey Devils will be sellers. The way the season has gone there is no denying the team will miss the playoffs again. Which team could benefit the most in a trade with New Jersey?
There are different teams with different needs that are still in playoff races. The New Jersey Devils could make a few different moves to secure good drafting position for future drafts. It all depends on what teams are willing to make the deals is the question. The team has already started by trading Vernon Fiddler and Sergey Kalinin. But, of course, there is still room for more moves to be made.New York Islanders
A name that it is highly possible will go is P.A. Parenteau. A trade with the team that waived him would be ironic. Parenteau is coming off a career high of 20 goals. The way his season has gone makes the waiver move seem foolish on the Islander behalf. He has 13 goals and 14 assists, which would put him sixth on the Islanders. The Islanders are a team that will need more offensive help if they are to go into the playoffs and stand a chance.
The Islanders have two fourth round draft picks, one from the Flyers and two in the sixth round, with one from Chicago. A third or fourth round and another pick would be an acceptable price for Parenteau. Although it is dangerous to draft within the division, need not worry. Parenteau is a free agent at the end of the year so it would be a rental and there’s no guarantee that he will remain in the division beyond the season.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues have a three-point cushion in the Western Conference. Los Angeles have just made a splash and acquired Ben Bishop. While it is highly rumored that the Blues will trade a top defenseman, defense is where they should be looking to improve. Kyle Quincey was held out of Saturday’s loss against New York because it is likely he will be moved. St. Louis is a team that could benefit from the veteran’s presences and improve their impressive D-corps. He has four goals and eight points on the season.
The Blues have two extra draft picks in this year’s upcoming draft. Quincey isn’t worth more than a fifth round pick. The Blues have their fifth round pick via the Blackhawks. Their pick was traded to the Sabres in July. Having former goaltender Martin Brodeur in the Blues front office might make talks go smooth between both organizations.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers are starting the slip. While they are still very much alive in the wild-card race in the east, they need offensive help. A bold thought is to trade Mike Cammalleri to the Panthers. He was unhappy with being a healthy scratch against the Islanders. If that’s not the only thing he is unhappy with, it would make sense to move him. He has 10 goals and 20 assists. He would be tied with in fifth place on the team.
Cammalleri is worth at least a second round, if not first round draft pick, with age being the only risk as he is going to be 35 in June. He has two more years left on his contract and a no-trade clause he would have to waive. He is an excellent offensive player who can help the team’s top six. It would improve the Panthers goal differential which is currently at -17.
