Devils Daily: Meier Shines at Olympics, Trade Deadline Talk Heating Up
There’s a lot to unpack today if you're following the New Jersey Devils-both on the international stage and back home as the trade deadline chatter starts to pick up steam.
Let’s start overseas, where a few Devils players are making their mark in Italy at the Winter Olympics. Timo Meier lit the lamp twice for Switzerland, showcasing the kind of scoring touch Devils fans have seen flashes of all season.
Meanwhile, Jack Hughes continues to do what Jack Hughes does-rack up assists. He notched two for Team USA, reminding everyone that his elite vision and playmaking translate on any ice, in any jersey.
These Olympic performances are more than just feel-good moments. They’re a testament to the talent on this Devils roster, even as the team navigates a season that hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. And that brings us to the next big topic: the trade deadline.
The buzz around New Jersey right now is all about roster construction-specifically, the blue line. The consensus?
There’s just too much redundancy on defense. The Devils are stacked with similar player types on the back end, and that’s limiting their ability to transition the puck and generate offense from the point.
If they want to take a step forward next season, they’ll need to reshape their defensive core to include more puck-movers and players who can drive play.
That kind of overhaul is typically an offseason project, but the groundwork starts now. The trade deadline is the perfect opportunity to begin clearing space and setting the stage for bigger moves down the road. Don’t expect a blockbuster just yet-but don’t be surprised if the Devils start trimming the fat and opening up options.
As for who they might target? That’s a conversation for another day, but it’s clear the front office is being encouraged to think creatively and act decisively.
And in broader hockey news, there’s movement on the international front. The IOC has recommended that Russian and Belarusian players under 18 could return to international play as early as the 2027-28 season.
However, the NHL isn’t planning to bring Russia back into the mix for the 2028 World Cup. That decision will have ripple effects, especially for teams with young Russian prospects in the pipeline.
So whether it’s Olympic highlights or trade deadline whispers, there’s no shortage of storylines surrounding the Devils right now. One thing’s for sure: the second half of the season is shaping up to be just as interesting off the ice as it is on it.