The New Jersey Devils haven't had the start to the season they wanted, but sitting just one point out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference has put GM Tom Fitzgerald in a position to potentially make significant moves for a postseason push.
With the recent announcement that star defenseman Dougie Hamilton is likely out for the rest of the regular season due to surgery for a torn left pectoral muscle, the Devils could utilize LTIR, leveraging his $9 million salary cap hit to strengthen their roster.
Fitzgerald has been actively exploring options on defense and in goal with a reported interest in Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson. The absence of Hamilton has provided the Devils with a $9 million cap space opportunity leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.
Pierre LeBrun, during "Insider Trading" on TSN, revealed that the Devils are considering being aggressive in the trade market, looking to add multiple pieces to improve.
While making a major move before the end of the year may seem challenging, especially with the holiday roster freeze in effect, Fitzgerald has been actively exploring various options. Goalies like Elvis Merzlikins, Jake Allen, and Petr Mrazek are among those believed to be available besides John Gibson.
POLL | ||
21 DECEMBRE | 148 ANSWERS Eastern Conference Powerhouse Team About To Make A Major Splash According To Insider Pierre Lebrun Do you think the New Jersey Devils will win the cup? | ||
Yes | 22 | 14.9 % |
They'll make it to the finals | 32 | 21.6 % |
Eastern Conference finals | 35 | 23.6 % |
1st or 2nd round | 59 | 39.9 % |
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