The New Jersey Devils are expected to approach the NHL Trade Deadline cautiously, focusing more on future improvements than immediate upgrades. After failing to secure significant enhancements during the last offseason, the Devils managed to add only depth players Connor Brown and Arseny Gritsyuk, who contributed primarily to the bottom six. Unfortunately, injuries throughout the season minimized their impact.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe has had difficulty finding consistent top-six wingers to support star forwards Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Hughes’ most common line combination this season has been alongside Jesper Bratt and Ondrej Palat, with Hughes occasionally playing wing with Bratt and Hischier at center. Other attempts included Evgenii Dadonov and Stefan Noesen, but nothing has stuck long-term.
Potential of Hughes-Gritsyuk-Mercer Line Cut Short by Injury
The combination of Hughes, Gritsyuk, and Mercer showed promising signs before Hughes suffered an injury. Together, they created six high-danger scoring opportunities while allowing none. Gritsyuk appeared to be developing well on Hughes’ wing, yet limited time together prevented the line from gaining momentum. It remains perplexing that this trio hasn’t been reunited more frequently given the team’s ongoing scoring struggles.
Need to Bolster Top-Six Forwards Moving Forward
Addressing the lack of top-six offensive depth must become a central focus for the Devils’ management. One avenue involves acquiring high-caliber forwards who are under long-term contracts, which could stabilize the roster and provide more excitement for the fan base, even if the current season is effectively winding down.
Although Jordan Kyrou has been mentioned as a trade target, attention is increasingly shifting toward another St. Louis Blues forward, Robert Thomas, whose skill and playing style could complement the Devils’ core.
Considering Robert Thomas as a Key Addition
Robert Thomas stands out as a potential top-line forward or center for the Devils. While the team does not have a critical need for a center in the traditional sense, Thomas could fill a vital role by playing similarly to Jack Hughes, primarily as a puck distributor. This would allow Hughes to concentrate on his finishing ability once he recovers from hand injury setbacks. Thomas could also serve as an effective option to seamlessly replace Hughes during any absence.
Adding Thomas would represent a strategic move focused on long-term development, injecting fresh energy into the lineup and increasing optimism ahead of future seasons.
The Substantial Cost Required for Robert Thomas
Acquiring Thomas comes with a steep price. According to Nick Kypreos on Sportsnet, the Blues are demanding an enormous return, possibly equivalent to three top-15 first-round draft picks, reflecting a request for both high-level prospects and valuable picks.
“Nick Kypreos: Re Robert Thomas: The price is astronomical, in the vicinity of something equivalent to three top-15 first-round picks. [Armstrong’s] looking for cache in prospects and picks. I don’t know what team would do that” – Nick Kypreos, NHL Rumour Report
To meet this asking price, the Devils would likely have to part with key assets such as Dawson Mercer, Anton Silayev, Simon Nemec, or their first-round picks in 2026 and 2027. While rising players Mikhail Yegorov and Lenni Hammenaho show promise, trading them under current circumstances seems improbable.
Though the price is high, Thomas’ contract is manageable, signed through 2031 at a cap hit of $8.125 million, making him a valuable long-term investment. If the cost involves Nemec, Mercer, and a 2027 first-round pick, it could be a worthwhile exchange for a franchise player. However, the challenge lies in balancing future potential against immediate needs.
Likely Focus on Minor Additions and Future Asset Management
Considering the demanding trade price for Thomas, the Devils may instead opt to pursue smaller acquisitions, with Nick Bjugstad appearing as the probable addition before the deadline. The organization seems inclined to prepare for the future by trading assets while positioning itself to rebuild rather than heavily investing in this season’s roster.
Ultimately, the Devils face a difficult balancing act: weighing the heavy cost of a top forward like Thomas against the urgency to improve offensive production and provide a foundation for seasons to come.
Nick Kypreos: Re Robert Thomas: The price is astronomical, in the vicinity of something equivalent to three top-15 first-round picks. [Armstrong's] looking for cache in prospects and picks. I don’t know what team would do that – Sportsnet (2/2)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) February 3, 2026
