NHL Trade Rumors: Two Trade Targets For The Devils

Saturday, November 16, 2024

James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now has spotlighted two potential trade targets from the Pittsburgh Penguins who could bolster the New Jersey Devils’ struggling fourth line: Drew O’Connor and Anthony Beauvillier. 

With long-term injuries to Curtis Lazar and Nathan Bastian exposing the Devils' lack of depth, and the Penguins signaling a willingness to sell following the Lars Eller trade, there’s a clear opportunity for Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald to address his lineup. 

As Nichols notes, both players are affordable, versatile, and capable of providing the stability New Jersey needs to improve its bottom six.

Drew O’Connor, a 26-year-old New Jersey native, is a cost-effective option on an expiring $925K contract. 

With defensive reliability and strong skating, O’Connor has been a key contributor to the Penguins’ penalty kill while occasionally stepping into higher-profile roles alongside stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. 

“He’s a big body who skates well,” wrote Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, highlighting O’Connor’s physical tools and versatility. His low cap hit and ability to play both wing and center make him an attractive, no-risk addition to the Devils’ depth chart.

Anthony Beauvillier offers a different skill set with his speed, puck-moving ability, and playoff experience, including standout moments with the New York Islanders. 

Although his scoring has dipped, Beauvillier remains a dependable two-way forward who could provide a steady presence on New Jersey’s fourth line. 

At a $1.25 million cap hit, he is a low-risk rental with the potential to contribute on both ends of the ice. As Nichols notes, “Beauvillier is vanilla, but that’s all the Devils really need” to stabilize their lineup as they work through injuries and push for consistency in their bottom six.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images



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