New Jersey Devils Trade Plans Focused On One Spot in Lineup

The No. 1 most wanted commodity at the trade deadline this season is undoubtedly center. There are a number of contenders in the market for one, and we can add the New Jersey Devils to that list.

According to insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, a bottom-six center is specifically what the Devils are eyeing.

That would be a priority for this team. (GM) Tom Fitzgerald has had conversations, like everyone else, doing his due diligence, finding out what the price tags are going to be for potential (center) targets as we get closer to the deadline.

Pagnotta made specific note of the Devils interest in Montreal Canadiens' breakout centerman Jake Evans (as we discussed here), who would be an ideal fit for them, both talent-wise and price-wise. But the Habs are still hoping to try to re-sign the pending UFA to an extension.

Pagnotta notes that the Devils are also looking into creating a lot more cap room for them to go after a bigger fish in the trade deadline pool, "if the right larger deal falls into place."

Just exactly what sort of larger move Fitzgerald is looking at isn't yet known, but, "he's keeping his options open."

The Devils, after their loss on Saturday, are currently on a three-game skid, but still sit second in the Metropolitan Division going into Sunday's play, though only one point up on the Carolina Hurricanes.