Devils Trade Targets: The team’s newly signed star player gave the Devils’ players new playing abilities.
“General Manager Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators has changed his mind about goaltender Juuse Saros, and they will now consider offers for the 28-year-old goaltender after taking a close look at the New Jersey Devils‘ goaltending options before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 8th.
It isn’t what you think, so stop getting excited. Like Jacob Markstrom and Calgary, Trotz seems to need a sizable offer before he will even consider the possibility.
Nashville’s thinking was clarified by Pierre LeBrun on the most recent episode of TSN’s Insider Trading.
Nashville, according to LeBrun, “has been so steady in saying their only plan is to extend Joust Saros this summer.” And they still prioritize that strategy. However, since the beginning of the season, more teams have emerged who are in dire need of improving their goaltending.
I’m also told that the Predators believe they have no option but to listen to a team that makes a very serious offer as a result of this.
By that, I mean don’t throw a few first-round picks—that is, picks in the low 20s—at the Nashville Predators. That won’t cause Barry Trotz to flinch. To attract the Predators’ attention, consider including a name like Quinton Byfield in a package.
The big name Saros is still available for any organization to sign, so it’s something to keep an eye on before March 8th.
You know, Quinton Byfield? That would be a significant request, especially considering that Nashville has Yaroslav Askarov coming up through their system. With the Kings, the former 2020 NHL Draft second-overall pick is having a breakout season.
Together with Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar, the 21-year-old forward plays on the Los Angeles Kings’ first line. This season, the 6’5″, 220 lb forward has been a fantastic all-around player. The native of Newmarket, Ontario, has scored 12 goals and 30 points through 42 games this season.
Should you be searching for a Devils player who is comparable to Byfield, it would be defenseman Simon Nemec. Nemec, a former second-overall pick, is having a breakthrough season in the NHL.
From what I’ve been told, Nemec is untouchable, so from a Saros deal perspective, the Predators and Devils are not a good match.
Not unless they can get a goalie with a year left on his deal who is not guaranteed to sign an extension and is available for unrestricted free agency for less money.
