3 forwards the Devils could target at the trade deadline
If the Devils live up to expectations and buy at the deadline, these forwards could move the needle.
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The New Jersey Devils are expected to return to the playoffs in 2026-27 after failing to qualify this past season.
They are favored to make the dance in the betting markets and HockeyStats’ standings projections have the Devils finishing second in the Metro Division with 101 points.
Assuming the Devils live up to expectations, Sunny Mehta will be looking to buy at his first deadline running the team.
For the purpose of this post, I’m going to isolate rentals on teams outside of the projected playoff picture for my potential targets.
The focus is mostly on offense and players who could play center. Mehta’s offer sheet for Barrett Hayton was a sign he wants to add quality depth there if possible.
Now that the table is set, let’s take a look at three forwards who could be of interest.
Jared McCann
The Seattle Kraken tried to land multiple stars over the last few months – notably Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson – but those pursuits proved unsuccessful.
They still lack elite talent as a result, and that’s one key reason they’re unlikely to make the playoffs again this coming year.
McCann is a player who would surely appeal to the Devils if put on the trade market.
He has scored at least 30 goals per 82 games in four of the past five years, and potted more goals than expected in seven of the last eight seasons.
He is a high-end finisher who can help tilt the ice and get results. He was +13 at 5v5 over the last three years on a team that missed the playoffs in each season.
McCann consistently wins his minutes, and Mehta himself noted he wants to stuff the roster with players who do so in the aggregate.
McCann also played for Sheldon Keefe’s Soo Greyhounds back in the day. There’s a history there.
