With Sunday now in the rearview mirror following their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Andy Greene, who was the last player left over from their 2012 Stanley Cup playoff run, was dealt to old Devils GM Lou Lamoriello in Long Island for David Quenneville and a 2021 second-round draft pick. Over the past few weeks, I have speculated a 2020 fourth for Andy Greene, however, a second rounder in any draft class is an awesome return on investment.
What this trade does is allow the youth on defence like Colton White, another left-handed shot, to take the helm on the left defensive side. During Sunday night’s game, the Devils defence had been much more rapid, fluid and mobile in controlling pace of the game in what is a see-saw battle. During the preseason, I have always liked the defensive play and the offensive contributions White possesses.
Since White was last called up, he is showcasing himself to interim GM Tom Fitzgerald to see if he can be a fixture next season. Another point is Ty Smith will very likely be on the Devils roster, anchoring the left side playing a two-way game.
Earlier Sunday evening, Blake Coleman was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a Vancouver Canucks conditional first-round pick. If the Canucks do not make the playoffs in 2019-2020, the 2020 first-round pick will transfer to a 2021 first-round pick instead. However, the New Jersey Devils acquired 2019 Kelowna forward Nolan Foote from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Foote is a player I wrote notes on in my 2019 Draft scouting report, summarized as a left-winger weighing in a 6’3, 187 pounds. He adds a great snap shot from mid-high danger scoring areas and is also a great playmaker. While he is also a great puck carrier who brings it daily with above average speed, Foote makes everyone around him more complete with his silky hands for both shooting and passing.
Nolan had three goals and five points in seven games played for the U-20 WJC Hockey Canada, winning a gold medal. His teammates will be fellow Devils prospects Kevin Bahl as well as Ty Smith. He’ll also be playing with Daniil Misyul, a fellow prospect who ended up getting silver with Team Russia. So there’s a boat load of chemistry and youth coming via the New Jersey Devils pipeline.
Tom Fitzgerald isn’t done dealing yet. As a source of mine has told me, only Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Mackenzie Blackwood are the untouchable players. It makes a lot of sense that the next full time GM of the Devils wants to build down the centers and work with finding a really reliable backup goaltender that will succeed Louis Domingue. The rumours swirling around Kyle Palmieri and other players like Sami Vatanen and Wayne Simmonds will likely pick up in the days to come.