New Jersey Devils notes: On the Beckman acquisition and Colton's availability

Fitzgerald gave Clarke a fresh start with his local team while adding some different elements to the organization. Plus, could Colton be a fit with the Devils?

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By David Mudrak (@MuddyOpinions)

With another trade on Friday, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald has shown he will be wheeling and dealing this off-season.

Let’s look at that trade, which sent Graeme Clarke to his home state of Minnesota, as well as a possible new trade target from the Colorado Avalanche - Ross Colton. 

On the Clarke for Beckman swap

After four years with the organization, the Devils moved on from winger Graeme Clarke. He was sent to the Wild in exchange for Adam Beckman.

While fans have shared mixed views about the trade on social media, this trade is ultimately a positive one for the team.

Clarke, who was drafted in the 3rd round (80th overall), had endeared himself to many fans as an up-and-coming prospect with skill and the potential to become a meaningful part of the NHL roster.

Throughout 218 AHL games, Clarke scored 68 goals and 149 total points. Unfortunately, he had a hard time cracking the Devils roster and only played three NHL games, earning no points. The trade should be good for both Clarke and the Devils. 

The Devils have many smaller, skilled forwards who focus on making plays and generating offense. Clarke, who is 6’0 175 lbs, is too similar to these other forwards. Instead of letting him languish at the AHL level, Fitzgerald sent him to a team that may be more likely to find a spot for him.

Respecting each player and looking out for their best interests is something that Fitzgerald has continued to make a point to do. He did the same for Will Butcher in 2021 when Butcher no longer had a place on the team and could benefit from a change of scenery.

Furthermore, in the case of Clarke, Fitzgerald has found a way to send him to his home state, which is always a nice bonus for a player. Making moves that show the organization is considerate of its players may not seem like it makes much of a difference, but it is one of the ways that Fitzgerald has made New Jersey a popular destination for players who are free agents or need to waive their no-trade clauses.

That he continues to do so will only reinforce that the Devils are a respectful and caring organization. 

Fitzgerald also signalled a shift in the mentality of the team with the trade. Instead of a rebuilding team that is constantly mindful of asset management, Fitzgerald is now looking to construct a competitive roster.

While Clarke may have a higher ceiling than Adam Beckman, he does not help balance the roster. Fitzgerald is willing to move on from Clarke to find ways to get more hard skill and physicality on the roster - not to mention a player who is more likely to fit the available 4th line role.

Beckman, who was drafted five spots ahead of Clarke in the same draft, will bring some much-needed size and physicality to the Devils if he can make the roster.

The 6’2” 182 lbs forward is exactly the kind of player Fitzgerald should be taking chances on. At 23 years old, Beckman still has a shot at becoming a useful NHL player after only playing 23 NHL games for Minnesota.

If he can find a role in the bottom two lines, Beckman will become a physical player who is team-controlled for several years. Furthermore, Beckman looks to be a mature and respected player as he wore a letter for the Iowa Wild.

I am excited to see Fitzgerald continue building out the bottom of the lineup in what will hopefully become a useful component of a championship-winning organization. 

Ross Colton is now available