Exclusive: Devils Are Up for Trading the No. 10 Overall Pick; Could a Bruins Trade Happen?
The New Jersey Devils are willing to part with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, per a recent report by Mike G. Morreale on NHL.com. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald states that the organization has internally discussed moving the pick and feels that this is the perfect year to do it, provided they can receive the value that helps the team this season. Because of this, rumors about a potential trade between the Devils and the Boston Bruins are even more intriguing.
With the Timo Meier trade this year, the Devils were able to relocate their second-round pick and now have six picks in the 2024 draft. The No. 10 pick, which is their best, might be used to draft a reliable NHL player. Although it’s unclear who they have in mind, there have been rumors in Boston that the Bruins are considering trading Linus Ullmark, who could significantly strengthen the goaltender situation in New Jersey.
“Ultimately, we’re in a position now versus when we drafted (defenseman) Simon Nemec (No. 2 in the 2022 NHL Draft) where if we can find the right piece to help us get to where we want to go today, tomorrow, and wherever the controllable future is for that player, great,” Fitzgerald said in response to a question about the situation. Is Ullmark the ideal participant? It’s difficult to say that. However, the Bruins are more receptive to the notion of leveraging their selection in favor of acquiring someone who can assist right away. “That’s the attitude as opposed to ‘Wow, we have a top-10 pick and this kid is going to be amazing when he’s 25.'”
Fitzgerald expressed the opinion that this is the right moment to move forward. “It must be. Everyone needs to look in the mirror and ask themselves, “What’s going on here?”—including myself, the players, and the staff. You’re going to witness a highly driven group, in my opinion.
Does the Bruins Gain from a Trade with the Devils?
It’s common knowledge that the Devils are in dire need of a goalie. Ullmark would be a valuable addition. Ullmark had a record of 22-10-7, a save percentage of.915, and a goals-against average of 2.57 at the end of the 2023–24 regular season. But how does the Bruins benefit from this?