Next Few Games Prove Pivotal for the New Jersey Devils

Brodeur left, Jagr right -two living NHL Legends 

Now that the Olympics are over and the NHL is set to resume, this upcoming week is probably the most pivotal week of the season for the New Jersey Devils.

Pete Deboer and the New Jersey Devils are picking up right where they left off- three points out of a wild card spot and five points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for the final divisional playoff slot... not exactly where they want to be, but hey, things can be much worse.

If the New Jersey Devils fall into an early slump and fail to make up ground or even keep themselves within the same position over their next four games before the March 5th trade deadline, we may see a drastic change in the New Jersey Devils locker room.

GM Lou Lamoriello has never been one to throw in the white towel and blow up his roster in an attempt to re-build, but if it appears the Devils are set to miss the playoffs for the second time in as many years, it would make sense to do so. Lamoriello may be forced to trade a few veterans for a combination of draft picks, prospects, and quality young players to build around for the future- especially because they forfeited their 2014 first round Draft Pick in lieu of the Ilya Kovalchuk contract penalty and are certainly lacking in offensive production big time this season.

There has been a ton of speculation that if the Devils are sellers at the deadline, Lamoriello may look to part ways with Jaromir Jagr and maybe even Martin Brodeur. While ideally, the best and most hopeful scenario for the Devils is to win a couple games off the bat and keep both Brodeur and Jagr on their roster for a playoff run, it may be necessary to part ways with both of them in order to benefit the future of the New Jersey Devils organization.

Are the Devils guaranteed sellers at the deadline right now? Probably not, as Lou Lamoriello hates giving up on seasons and they may still be within a few points of a playoff spot come March 5th, but if the gap widens it may need to be done.

The Devils will open up the second half of the season at home against the Colombus Blue Jackets and will play the Red Wings later on in the week at home as well- two teams they're chasing for a playoff spot. Will the Devils take advantage of this and make up ground before the trade line? The fate of their entire season and the future of the organization depends on it.

Stay tuned.