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The New Jersey Devils are currently just about out of the playoff race. After losing to the Boston Bruins in overtime on Friday, the Devils are now nine points out of the final playoff spot with only 20 games left in the season. It’s time for the team to start trading off their assets.
If Lou Lamoriello wants to keep parts of the team intact, that’s fine, but there are certain players who aren’t going to provide much to the end of the season, but would provide a ton to other teams. Jaromir Jagr has already been moved, so now the main piece that needs to go to another team is Marek Zidlicky.
There are a bunch of teams that need desperate help on the power play. Zidlicky has an amazing shot coming from the blue line, which is never more valuable than on the power play.
Zidlicky literally provides nothing to the Devils this season, and his skill set can be easily replaced by players currently on the roster. His presence on the team has caused the Devils to misuse Eric Gelinas during the early part of his career, as they couldn’t afford to have two offensive-minded defensemen on the ice at one time. They also have Jon Merrill, who is more of a two-way defender but can still blast the puck. Then there is the inevitable return of Damon Severson from a broken foot, who has a very similar skill set as well.
The Devils won’t get a ton for Zidlicky since he is a free agent after the season, but they may get a similar haul that they got for Jagr. The Devils should take the few picks that they can get for Zidlicky, and they should do it soon.
Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.
