Rethinking the Devils' Strategy: Beyond the Obvious Moves
The New Jersey Devils' recent setback with Barrett Hayton has left fans buzzing about the team's next steps. While big trades might seem like the obvious solution, I believe there's a more nuanced approach that could significantly improve the team's performance without breaking the bank. Here’s my take on how the Devils can strategically enhance their roster while keeping an eye on cap space.
The Unsung Hero: Danton Heinen
When it comes to free agency, the spotlight often shines on high-profile players, but sometimes the real gems are those who fly under the radar. Danton Heinen is a perfect example. Personally, I think Heinen is one of the most underrated players in the league. What makes this particularly fascinating is his ability to consistently contribute to his team's success without demanding top-line minutes.
Over the past three seasons, Heinen has ranked 58th in goals for percentage among 261 forwards who played 2,300 or more minutes. What many people don’t realize is that he’s achieved this while playing for four different teams—Vancouver, Boston, Columbus, and Pittsburgh. This raises a deeper question: Why hasn’t he found a long-term home yet? In my opinion, Heinen is the quintessential bottom-six winger. He’s a glue player who can take shutdown shifts alongside Nico Hischier or any defensive center, and his strong forechecking skills align perfectly with the Devils’ new approach under Sunny Mehta.
A Strategic Swap: Henrique for Bjugstad
Now, let’s talk about a move that could be a game-changer: signing Adam Henrique and trading Nick Bjugstad. On the surface, this might seem like a lateral move, but if you take a step back and think about it, it’s a clear upgrade in both skill and value.
Nick Bjugstad, while a solid player in his prime, has seen his offensive production decline sharply. Adam Henrique, on the other hand, has been a defensive stalwart for the Edmonton Oilers, excelling in a heavily defensive role. A detail that I find especially interesting is Henrique’s faceoff prowess—he hasn’t had a faceoff percentage below 50 since 2017-18, a stark contrast to Bjugstad’s recent struggles.
Pairing Henrique with Heinen would create one of the league’s best bottom-six shutdown lines. Financially, this move makes sense too. Trading Bjugstad would free up $1.75 million in cap space, while Henrique could come at a lower upfront cost with performance incentives. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about maximizing value.
The Top-Six Puzzle: Michael Bunting Over Anthony Mantha
When it comes to bolstering the top six, Michael Bunting is my pick over Anthony Mantha. This might seem counterintuitive given Mantha’s recent career-high points, but hear me out. Bunting’s familiarity with Sheldon Keefe, his versatility in the lineup, and his superior impact on possession make him a more appealing option.
What this really suggests is that Bunting’s ability to play up and down the lineup and his strong forechecking skills could provide the support play the Devils’ top six desperately needs. Mantha, despite his size, is not a forechecker and struggles defensively. Bunting might not be a defensive zone specialist, but he excels at keeping the puck in the offensive zone, which is crucial for a team looking to dominate possession.
The Defensive Logjam: Time to Move On from Brenden Dillon
The Devils’ left-handed defense is crowded, to say the least. With Declan Chisholm, Vladislov Kolyachonok, and Anton Silayev in the mix, something has to give. Personally, I think Brenden Dillon is the most logical candidate to be traded.
Dillon’s physicality and leadership are undeniable, but his declining performance and higher salary make him a prime candidate for a move. Jonas Siegenthaler, despite his inconsistencies, is a better fit for the Devils’ defensive needs. He’s younger, cheaper, and has shown the ability to excel in a more aggressive defensive system.
What many people don’t realize is that Dillon’s impact on possession has waned over the past couple of seasons. His tendency to drift away from the net has hurt the team’s ability to clear the defensive zone, a critical issue that needs addressing. Kolyachonok and Chisholm, on the other hand, offer similar or better value at a fraction of the cost.
The Bigger Picture: Building a Contender
If you take a step back and think about it, these moves aren’t just about filling roster spots—they’re about building a cohesive, competitive team. According to HockeyViz’s Synthetic Goals model, these moves would net the Devils a +18.5 sG, a significant improvement in quality of play.
This raises a deeper question: What does it take to build a contender? The Carolina Hurricanes, for instance, have a forward lineup composed entirely of players performing at first or second-line quality. The Devils currently have only five such players. By targeting players like Heinen, Henrique, and Bunting, the Devils can begin to close that gap.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, these moves represent a smart, strategic approach to improving the Devils without sacrificing financial flexibility. They address key weaknesses in the lineup while aligning with the team’s long-term goals. What this really suggests is that sometimes the best moves aren’t the flashiest ones.
But what do you think? Is Michael Bunting the right fit for the top six? Does the bottom six need more tinkering? How should the Devils handle their defensive logjam? Leave your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your perspective.
