Report: Pavel Zacha drawing interest from several teams

The versatile 25-year-old forward has averaged 48 points per 82 games over the last two seasons.

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It’s no secret the New Jersey Devils would like to add an impactful winger – who can score goals – to help maximize the talents of young stars like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt.

They have already shown their hand multiple times in the early going of the off-season. The Devils were one of the teams after Kevin Fiala; and they reportedly expressed “significant interest” in Alex DeBrincat at the draft.

In order to bring a forward or two in, they’re going to have to clear multiple bodies out.

Excluding pending unrestricted free agents like Jimmy Vesey and Big Mase, the Devils have 13 forwards under team control who have established themselves as NHLers.

That list doesn’t even include youngsters like Fabian Zetterlund and Alex Holtz. The former was fantastic during his cup of coffee down the stretch, producing eight points in 14 games while driving play and generating shots at a high clip.

Holtz, for his faults, scored 26 goals in 52 AHL games during his first professional season in North America and might well have the best shot in the organization. He’s not far off from NHL duty.

Forget about adding a forward; the Devils need to clear out some space just to fit in some of what they already have.

Andreas Johnsson is one obvious candidate to be moved. He makes pennies (750K) compared to what his cap hit suggests and could be an attractive piece for a team looking to get over the cap floor (Arizona).

Pavel Zacha is another name likely to be sent packing. While his on-ice metrics improved, his outputs predictably regressed (should’ve dealt him last summer).

Six full seasons into his NHL career, I think GM Tom Fitzgerald and co. have seen enough to know he’s not going to be the player the organization once hoped.

The 25-year-old is reportedly drawing interest from multiple suitors.