Yahoo Sports Insider Names 3 Potential Devils Trade Targets
The New Jersey Devils are in an excellent spot right now. At the time of this writing, they have a 26-15-6 record and are tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second-most points in the Eastern Conference. With this, the Devils will be buyers at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. One area the Devils are aiming to improve is their center depth.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald has "started to check in on all the obvious center targets." In addition, LeBrun mentioned Ryan O'Reilly, Yanni Gourde, and Scott Laughton as three potential trade targets for the Devils.
O'Reilly, 33, would be a massive addition to the Devils' third line and penalty kill if acquired. The Clinton, Ontario native is having a solid season with the struggling Nashville Predators, posting 13 goals, 26 points, and 40 blocks in 41 games. He also has plenty of experience and a Stanley Cup on his resume, which adds to his appeal.
© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
O'Reilly would be more than a rental, too, as he has a $4.5 million cap hit until the end of the 2026-27 season. However, while he has no trade protection, the Predators are treating him like he has a no-movement clause. Thus, he would need to give the okay for a potential move to New Jersey or any other team.
Gourde, 33, would also have the potential to be a solid addition for the Devils. Like O'Reilly, he has playoff success, as he won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. In addition, he could fit in nicely as their third-line center and on their penalty kill.
© Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Gourde is in the final season of his contract with the Seattle Kraken, so he is a prime trade candidate. In 35 games this season, he has six goals, 16 points, and 58 hits.
As for Laughton, he has been in the rumor mill for quite some time. The Philadelphia Flyers are expected to listen to offers for him, and he could be a perfect addition to the Devils' roster. This is because he chips in offensively, is solid defensively, and throws the body. Thus, he is a player built for playoff hockey.
© Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
Laughton is signed until the end of next season, carrying a reasonable $3 million cap hit. In 46 games this season with the Flyers, he has nine goals, 23 points, and 104 hits.
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