New Jersey Devils' Top Trade Candidate This Season

The New Jersey Devils had a blip in their season where they were struggling to find wins after a very hot start, but they are back in the win column most nights. The team is in contention for the division title this season, but they are going to have to shift some things around by the trade deadline. A potential backup goaltender and a top-six winger are at the top of their list.

To execute a trade that will impact their team positively, the Devils will have to move out some money and they have one trade candidate that makes the most sense, Damon Severson.

The Devils went out and acquired a strong defensive presence in John Marino for the right side in the offseason. He has taken over a top-four role on the team's defence this season while Dougie Hamilton is healthy and producing. This leaves Severson to play on the third pair. Recently he has been playing on the second pair while Marino is injured, but that will change as soon as the defence is healthy.

Severson had a breakout season in 2021-22 because of the great opportunity he got. Hamilton was injured and not performing while Marino was still playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Severson scored 11 goals and 46 points last season and sits at just three goals and 13 points in 40 games this season while his ice time is down nearly four minutes.

Since Marino has been out, Severson has started to produce like he did last season. He has recorded one goal and seven points in his last six games. This rejuvenation should help raise his value that was down for most of this season and free up $4.167 million to address another area.