NHL Rumors: Devils & Ducks Becoming Possible Trade Partners

The New Jersey Devils are currently fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Because of this, the expectation is that they will be buyers at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, as their goal is to strengthen their roster.

One area that they will be looking to boost is the right side of their defensive group. It is understandable, as Dougie Hamilton is out indefinitely, and they need more depth because of it. Due to this, there are now rumblings that the Devils are eyeing Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin.

Lyubushkin would be a very solid addition to the Devils' blue line. This is because he is very reliable defensively and plays an immensely heavy game. As a result of this, he would be a strong pickup but especially during the postseason when the games get grittier.

Lyubushkin would be a clear fit on the Devils' bottom pairing if acquired. With that, it is quite apparent that he would be used on their penalty kill if acquired because of his well-known defense-first style of play. This is something that the Devils could use more of.

Lyubushkin's market is quite big at the moment, as the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers have been linked to him as well. As a result, the Devils have plenty of competition for him if they hope to land him.

We will need to wait and see if the Devils end up acquiring him before the deadline passes from here.