Speculation: A 3rd line center to NJ

[Monsieur Verdoux]

The best UFA centers are too expensive and others too mediocre, so a trade might be the best way to get a 3rd line center to NJ. But who are available?

The Devils could offer a combination of these assets:
- a 1st (2026)
- 2 x 2nds
- prospects (Casey, Hämeenaho, etc.)
- Mercer

 

[HugeInTheShire]

Just sign Faksa

 

[Jacob]

Gourde and Dvorak are UFAs too.

 

[Jerzey Devil]

I’d still like to see about ROR but I don’t think Trotz is willing to make any trade outside of a crazy overpayment.

 

[Fatass]

Can usually get a 3C in free agency. Sign a UFA who can take some of Jack Hughes’ minutes so he can stay healthy. So a guy who can fill an offensive role.

 

[DJJones]

Backlund and Coleman can come as a package haha. Ready made third line

 

[Lockin17]

Shit load of UFA available for a 3C ,, just have to put the money on the table.

 

[Vergil]

The best UFA centers are too expensive and others too mediocre, so a trade might be the best way to get a 3rd line center to NJ. But who are available?

The Devils could offer a combination of these assets:
- a 1st (2026)
- 2 x 2nds
- prospects (Casey, Hämeenaho, etc.)
- Mercer

I don't think trading a first or any of these other assets for a third line center is something you do when you're trying to get on your feet in the playoffs. It's something a championship contending team does.

As that Devils fan said earlier, signing Faksa in FA will be far cheaper and be very passable.

 

[miscs75]

Pageau and his 1 year contract are probably a good fit as a holdover. He can win face offs and is responsible defensively.

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

Just sign Faksa

That same Faksa who had 20+ points season 7 years ago last time?

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

Shit load of UFA available for a 3C ,, just have to put the money on the table.

The Devils don't have money to put on the table. Gourde, Faksa, Dvorak etc. aren't also good enough anymore.

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

Backlund and Coleman can come as a package haha. Ready made third line

For sure, but I think the price is too high.

 

[DJJones]

For sure, but I think the price is too high.

Be more if they even want to leave. They seem comfortable.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

That same Faksa who had 20+ points season 7 years ago last time?

Go ahead and watch him play, and then tell me his point totals are what he's around for.

 

[Ekiru]

Go ahead and watch him play, and then tell me his point totals are what he's around for.

We do need a defensively sound 3C who can win faceoffs too... but they cant be a blackhole offensively. Thats another issue were having is our third line has no offensive cohesion.

Id rather get someone who can matchup defensively to help Nico but also can pot 35+ points; less defense more offense than a Faksa

 

[Lockin17]

The Devils don't have money to put on the table. Gourde, Faksa, Dvorak etc. aren't also good enough anymore.

Well you need to give assets to have a good 3C with a low cap.

MTL : Evans + #17
for
NJ : Saliyev

 

[HugeInTheShire]

We do need a defensively sound 3C who can win faceoffs too... but they cant be a blackhole offensively. Thats another issue were having is our third line has no offensive cohesion.

Id rather get someone who can matchup defensively to help Nico but also can pot 35+ points; less defense more offense than a Faksa

I think Nico's numbers jump up if the Devils have someone to take some of that weight off his shoulders, IMO they need more production from their wingers and responsibility from their 3C and 4C.

 

[Ekiru]

I think Nico's numbers jump up if the Devils have someone to take some of that weight off his shoulders, IMO they need more production from their wingers and responsibility from their 3C and 4C.

I agree and thats what I want for 3C. But they cant be producing at a 4C clip either, otherwise I think the points Nico gets are then lost in other areas

It shouldnt be too hard to find a 3C who can pot 35 and play defense. And if it is then Fitzgerald better figure it out lol; its all he has to focus on this summer, is the offense

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

Go ahead and watch him play, and then tell me his point totals are what he's around for.

I'm not sure how he has played with the Blues but his latest couple seasons with the Stars weren't good anymore.

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

Well you need to give assets to have a good 3C with a low cap.

MTL : Evans + #17
for
NJ : Saliyev

Yeah, right. More good offers?

 

[HugeInTheShire]

I agree and thats what I want for 3C. But they cant be producing at a 4C clip either, otherwise I think the points Nico gets are then lost in other areas

It shouldnt be too hard to find a 3C who can pot 35 and play defense. And if it is then Fitzgerald better figure it out lol; its all he has to focus on this summer, is the offense

Maybe they think that guy is Cody Glass. I just can't get behind trading away high picks or decent prospects for a 3C. If they get wingers for the top 6 all the Mercer/Palat/Haula guy can slot down where they belong.

Fitz should be bargain hunting bottom 6 guys and if he's trading away assets like Casey, Nemec or high draft picks there needs to be a legit top 6 winger, preferably one that shoots right coming the other way, not a 3C.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

I'm not sure how he has played with the Blues but his latest couple seasons with the Stars weren't good anymore.

He is an absolute wrecking ball, and since he's defensibly responsible he can actually play against the other teams top guys. I've been watching the Blues/Jets series and he is noticeably targeting their best players. Feel free to watch him match up with Scheifele tonight....... Ohh wait

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

Maybe they think that guy is Cody Glass. I just can't get behind trading away high picks or decent prospects for a 3C. If they get wingers for the top 6 all the Mercer/Palat/Haula guy can slot down where they belong.

Fitz should be bargain hunting bottom 6 guys and if he's trading away assets like Casey, Nemec or high draft picks there needs to be a legit top 6 winger, preferably one that shoots right coming the other way, not a 3C.

If Fitz can get someone like Danault or younger version of Staal, I'd be ready to use high picks or prospects for a 3C.

And Glass' line was one of the worst lines in the first round, so I don't think he is the answer for the Devils.

 

[Forge]

I've mentioned it before, but I'd probably reach out to the Islanders about Pageau, most likely.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

If Fitz can get someone like Danault or younger version of Staal, I'd be ready to use high picks or prospects for a 3C.

And Glass' line was one of the worst lines in the first round, so I don't think he is the answer for the Devils.

Those kind of players are a pipe dream though, any player that would be available in a trade is past their prime and would end up being Haula/Palat level. They'd give up Nemec and end up with someone like Ryan O'Reilly who is poised for a drop off.