Who Are the Potential Targets for the Devils Middle Six?
The NHL season has officially concluded, and so the offseason truly begins for all 32 teams. The New Jersey Devils face a few priorities this offseason, many to be fixed after an unfortunate season. One of their most crucial goals this offseason is to get that forward group fixed, but how are they to go about this exactly? With around $14 million in cap space, part of it to include when they extend Luke Hughes, Tom Fitzgerald will indeed be busy. The middle six needs its forwards, and while they can try free agency, trading would make the most sense when working on the cost. As the Devils look to rebound from an injury-plagued season, who would make the most sense to join this Devils roster?
Alex Laferriere
Though his numbers don’t scream a superstar, Alex Laferriere has his chance to see an explosion of production. Though his time on the power play is short, Laferriere has proven to be a player to creates those high-danger chances. Coming off a season with 42 points off 19 goals and 23 assists, his production will only skyrocket as long as he continues his effort on the ice. Playing with young players like Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer will also do plenty to help him develop, giving him the confidence he needs to deliver those numbers. Give him the power play time he deserves, and he just might surprise a few fans as well. Fitzgerald would be smart to contact the Kings on this matter, bring the youngster to New Jersey, and give him his chance.
Jared McCann
Probably one of the multiple players New Jersey has their eye on, and for a good reason as well. In the correct situation, Jared McCann is a player who makes perfect sense, though he’s in search of finding his game again. Since his 40-goal season in the 2022-23 season, McCann has struggled with his chances, but don’t let that distract you from what he can still do. Put him on with Nico Hishier, and you have someone who’s able to finish, which is what New Jersey needs to go deep. Put him on the right line with the right center, and that’s easily a 30-goal season for the 29-year-old. His production in the past was no fakeout; this is a player who can make things happen. Fitzgerald would be a fool not to hurry and pursue.
Charlie Coyle
If New Jersey were to ask for a solid third-line center, Charlie Coyle could just fill that position out cleanly. Coming off a 35-point season, Coyle works his magic on creating shots. Price-wise, it would seem nothing more than a mid-round pick to acquire him, quite nice for a player who can transition as well as he can. Coyle saw himself struggling quite a bit in Boston to start this season, leading to his transition to the Colorado Avalanche, where he had much more success. In a great rebound, Coyle earned himself 13 points in 19 games played, earning himself a few extra games in the postseason. Move the 33-year-old up in a possible second-round role, and his production may just find its way back up there; it never hurts to pursue.
In the aftermath of New Jersey sending Erik Haula to Nashville, this hunt to fill the middle six will be a challenge. One of the biggest weaknesses of this Devils team last postseason was their lack of depth, and it was crucially needed from those middle lines to make a run. Tom Fitzgerald has his work cut out for him in the offseason, no doubt; every second counts at this point. Now that all 32 teams have gone into the postseason, they’ll need to be quick to pursue this. Be smart with the trades, fill those middle six gaps, and this team is ready for another shot in the postseason.
