Devils Trade Deadline Preview: Toffoli, Goalies & More

The New Jersey Devils enter the 2024 trade deadline in an interesting spot. Will they sell Tyler Toffoli? Will they acquire a goalie? Let's set the table

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We're two days away from the NHL trade deadline. Obviously, many of us hoped the New Jersey Devils would be buyers heading into this deadline. That could still be the case, but it won't be how we thought it would be, given their place in the standings. Let's examine what general manager Tom Fitzgerald could do by the 3 PM deadline on Friday. 

Markström? Ullmark? Anyone?

To Jacob Markström? Or not to Jacob Markström? That is the question. This really depends on what the Calgary Flames want to do. They're eight points out of a playoff spot, so they're in a similar position to the Devils. But they also don't have to trade Markström ahead of the deadline since he has two and a half years left on his contract. 

It is too late for Markström to come in and save the Devils' season, even if they acquire him before Friday's deadline. But if Fitzgerald can get a goalie, he should do it. There should be more suitors for Markström in the offseason, so it might not be as easy to acquire him during the offseason since it appears the Devils are the only team to have shown serious interest so far. 

If the Devils do find a way to acquire Markström before Friday, what does a trade look like? Does it still cost something like Alexander Holtz and a first-round pick or a package along those lines? Fitzgerald's surprising comments about Holtz yesterday make me think they may be ready to part ways at some point.  

Either way, it seems Markström is the Devils' top target based on reporting from Elliotte Friedman. Whether they can close the deal after coming so close a few weeks ago remains to be seen. But if not, they'll have to pivot elsewhere. 

One option Pierre LeBrun mentioned in one of his most recent rumblings article for The Athletic is Linus Ullmark, who the Devils have apparently checked in on with the Boston Bruins: 

"Yes, the Devils desperately need a goalie, and as discussed above, they’re focused on a different Swede as their top target. However, I was also told Monday that the Devils have looked at Ullmark as a possible option if they can’t swing a deal with Calgary. So stay tuned there."