Possible Deadline Targets for the New Jersey Devils

With the NHL Trade Deadline rapidly approaching and with their sudden post Olympic surge, it appears Lou Lamoriello and the New Jersey Devils intend to be buyers in an attempt to solidify a playoff berth down the stretch.

While it is possible that the Devils deal their historic face of the franchise and three time Stanley Cup Champion Martin Brodeur as a favor to the seasoned vet, any other transaction made by the Devils will likely be made as an attempt to better the present state of the New Jersey Devils and increase their chances of making the post season.

With an available trade deadline salary cap of $7,631,729 to work with pending a Martin Brodeur trade, here is a look at possible players Uncle Lou may target before the 3pm EST deadline on March 5th.

LW Mike Cammalleri - Calgary Flames
Contract: $6MM cap hit. UFA Following the season.

The Devils biggest issue to date is their inability to score goals - hence the reason why a 42 year old Jaromir Jagr is the teams leading scorer. Mike Cammalleri is a guy who can certainly help out in that area. Even though it's been a bit of a downed season for Cammalleri north of the border, he's still on pace to average about 20-25 goals. Camalleri averages just under a goal per game in five on five play and will lead the Devils in that category if he were to come down to New Jersey.

I estimate Cammalleri costing much less than the package the Islanders are requesting for Thomas Vanek and a change of scenery may benefit Cammalerri tremendously.

RW Ales Hemsky- Edmonton Oilers
Contract: $5MM cap hit. UFA Following the season.

Targeting Ales Hemsky should be a no brainer for the New Jersey Devils. His stat line isn't overly impressive as he's played in the shadows of RNH, Eberle Hills, and Taylor Hall -  and you have to believe the Edmonton Oilers would love to send him anywhere but the Western Conference- so why not lovely Newark, New Jersey? Hemsky, having shown some signs of chemistry with fellow New Jersey Devils, Jagr, Elias, and Zidlicky while on Team Czech Republic in Sochi can provide the Devils with speed, power, and a much needed goal scoring touch.

Lamoriello has always been a fan of Czech players, and my bet is Hemsky will cost a 3rd round pick or a veteran Defenseman... pretty appealing for a player who can instantly slot right into the Devils top-six up front.

C Paul Stasny- Colorado Avalanche
Contract: $6.6MM cap hit. UFA Following the season.

Sitting pretty at 39-17-5, the Colorado Avalanche should stand pat and gear up for playoffs, right? Not so fast. The Avs are loaded with an elite tandem of young goal scoring forwards, subjecting Paul Stasny to the helm of trade rumors since early on in the season. Non the less, like his father and ex New Jersey Devil - Peter Stasny, Paul Stasny is a terrific two way hockey player with tremendous offensive upside who any team in the NHL would love to have on their roster, including Lou Lamoriello.

The price may be a bit steeper than the two players mentioned above, but the Avalanche will certainly be looking to add a veteran defenseman and a prospect and/or draft pick in exchange for the services of Statsny. Perhaps Lou will offer up Anthon Volchenkov along with his $4.4MM cap hit and a prospect such as Adam Larsson or Jacob Josefon to try and pry Stasny away from Colorado. I doubt he'll be available in the summer.

LW Matt Moulson- Buffalo Sabres
Contract: $3.3MM cap hit. UFA Following the season.

Moulson was already traded once this season, and all signs point to the house clearing Buffalo Sabres trading him again. Moulson isn't quite physical, buy he has a good shot, great hands, and a nose for the net. The only problem with Moulson playing for the Devils is that he's usually at his best when playing on the same line as a speedy right winger and an elite center - something the New Jersey Devils are without. There is no John Taveres on the New Jersey Devils.

Next, I'd love to add a write up of Ryan Kesler, one of the best two-way players in the NHL, but I think his asking price is a bit too high for Lamoriello's liking. I'm hearing Pittsburgh already offered up Brandon Sutter, Ryan Dumoulin, a 2014 first round pick, and a 2014 third round pick to Vancouver for the Michigan Native. It seem's as if whatever team acquires Kesler as a buyer at the deadline will be deemed more of a seller.

It'll be an interesting 48 hours or so to say the least, especially for the New Jersey Devils.... I think.

-Stay tuned.