On March 8th, New Jersey Devils General Manager faced a crucial decision as the team found themselves on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. With a young core and a loaded Eastern Conference, the Devils opted not to sacrifice future prospects for a playoff push this season.
The Devils started their deadline day by trading away their leading goal scorer, Tyler Toffoli, to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for draft picks. They also sent defenseman Colin Miller to the Jets for a fourth-round pick.
Realizing the need for goaltending improvement, the Devils made two subsequent moves. They acquired veteran goalie Jake Allen from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a draft pick that could potentially become a second-rounder based on Allen's performance. Additionally, they traded Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for goalie Kaapo Kahkonen.
While the statistical comparison between Allen and Kahkonen shows similarities, the main difference lies in their contracts. Allen is locked in for the next season, serving as a mentor to 23-year-old Nico Daws, who is seen as the future goaltender for the Devils. On the other hand, Kahkonen is a cheaper option but will become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Despite not making headline-grabbing moves, the Devils improved their roster on the margins. They were able to get value for Toffoli and Miller, while also acquiring draft picks to bolster their depth. This strategic approach allows the team to remain competitive while focusing on the development of their young players.
In a relatively quiet goalie market, Fitzgerald navigated the deadline effectively, making calculated moves to enhance the team's prospects moving forward. While the Devils may not have made a splash, their deadline deals position them well for the future.
