Trade Rumor: NJ Devils Dealing #4 Pick for Young Defenseman

The New Jersey Devils are used to having top-picks in the NHL Draft as they have struggled to find their game in recent years. While they've added some #1 overall picks to their core, this time around they landed on the #4 pick at the draft. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the team could be looking to move the pick for a young NHL defenseman.

The Devils also have the New York Islanders first-round pick via the Travis Zajac and Travis Palmieri deadline deal, so it makes sense to move the higher pick for some ready-now talent. While there's certainly a slew of defenseman the team could take at the four spot, it's obvious from Friedman's report they need someone who can step in tomorrow. 

The team currently has P.K. Subban, Damon Severson, Will Butcher and Ty Smith under contract for next season so whoever joins the club won't have to carry the load. One team who could be interested in the deal is the Buffalo Sabres, who have held discussions with the Devils recently regarding defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. Keep an eye on New Jersey, if it's not the Sabres it will be another team who's ready to make a deal with the Devils.

Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports