5 Players Devils Should Avoid at the 2025 Trade Deadline

You'll likely notice a certain theme around the types of players the New Jersey Devils should avoid at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline

---

Follow us on Twitter: @AlexC_NJD, @NJD_OnTheRush

Follow me on Bluesky

---

I've talked a lot about who the New Jersey Devils should acquire ahead of next week's trade deadline, but what about players they should avoid? We know what this team needs. It's more goals in the bottom six and top six, but you have to find the right fits.

It's a bit of a weird market for buyers this season. Hence, why we probably haven't seen many trades since before the 4 Nations Face-off, but the Devils shouldn't panic into moves that don't move the needle much.

Scott Laughton

Anthony DiMarco of Daily Faceoff reported Wednesday that the Devils were among the late entries into the sweepstakes to acquire Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Laughton has solid counting totals this season, recording 11 goals and 27 points in 57 games — a 16-goal, 39-point pace over 82 games. He also has an extra year left on his deal at an affordable cap hit of $3 million, so he seems like a fit, right?

While Laughton would be an upgrade over what the Devils have in bottom-six centers (the bar is LOW), there are probably better fits than him.

First, I imagine the Flyers would make the Devils pay extra since they're division rivals and are already looking for a first-round pick for Laughton. They might not get that, but they clearly have a high price for him. It'd also probably be higher for the Devils than other teams.

Laughton's impacts have not been particularly great over the last few seasons, though they have improved in 2024-25. Maybe those would stabilize on a better team like the Devils, but there's risk involved. He could turn out to be another Erik Haula, and I'd stay away, given what he may cost in a trade.

Trent Frederic

Trent Frederic will be a popular trade target if the Boston Bruins decide to sell, which they most likely will. He totaled 18 goals and 40 points a season ago but has regressed this season, collecting just eight goals and 15 points in 57 games.

Frederic's regression could be a product of his environment since the Bruins can't score goals. He's also played out of position at center at times this season, so perhaps a shift to the wing on a team like the Devils would get him on the right track.