New Jersey Devils 2026 trade deadline report card: Grading Tom Fitzgerald’s moves
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In: Maxim Tsyplakov, Nick Bjugstad
Out: Ondřej Palát, 2026 third-round decide, 2027 sixth-round decide, Thomas Bordeleau, 2026 fourth-round decide, Luke Glendening (waivers to Philadelphia)
Grade: D+
The Devils did not change a lot on the deadline. Dougie Hamilton stayed, as did Šimon Nemec, who discovered himself in rumors because the deadline neared. Palát was the largest subtraction New Jersey comprised of their lineup, however that occurred greater than a month in the past. The group additionally misplaced depth middle Luke Glendening to waivers, with the Flyers claiming him Friday. Fitzgerald additionally put Maxim Tsyplakov and Evgenii Dadonov on waivers, although each cleared.
Fitzgerald added Bjugstad earlier than the Olympic roster freeze. He’s a depth middle however would not seriously change the best way the lineup appears to be like. The Devils primarily acknowledged that they aren’t a playoff contender this deadline and didn’t add vital items. Perhaps extra surprisingly, additionally they did not subtract from the roster. Center Cody Glass, below contract for an additional season at $2.5 million common annual worth, felt like a possible candidate to maneuver given the excessive costs facilities met this deadline. But Fitzgerald clearly didn’t get any provides he felt warranted a trade.
The Devils had excessive expectations this season and have come up brief. Moving Palát cleared up cap area and was possible the proper transfer with how the season was going, however New Jersey had to surrender picks to make the deal occur. The Bjugstad addition is marginal.
The Devils did not have lots to promote this deadline, however the group’s file and lack of moves made it exhausting to present them a better grade. — Peter Baugh
What the GM mentioned
Fitzgerald mentioned he was shocked by the shortage of motion on the trade market.
“I just think there were a lot of teams not willing to move pieces because they’re in a playoff spot or teams didn’t want to move pieces, being out of a playoff spot, because they believe in those players and want to give it another go,” Fitzgerald mentioned.
The Devils fall within the latter class. Fitzgerald mentioned he nonetheless believes in his group and would not wish to blow it up.
Hamilton remained on Chris Johnston’s trade board, however Fitzgerald mentioned, “I didn’t have Dougie Hamilton’s name out there.”
“Did I get calls from a couple teams assuming I had Dougie’s name out there? Yeah,” he mentioned. “But Dougie’s played extremely well for us. He’s a really good player. When we’re playing well, he’s usually playing well. … There was no shopping or putting him out there on the market to see what I could get.”
The Devils additionally listened on Nemec, the 2022 No. 2 draft decide. He’s a pending restricted free agent.
“We have seven NHL everyday players on our back end,” Fitzgerald mentioned. “Trying to shake one of those loose here in the offseason will be my goal, maybe to give us some help up front. Maybe a top-six winger or something.”
Asked if he is gotten any assurances about his job safety past this season, Fitzgerald mentioned he and proprietor David Blitzer are “in sync.”
