Boston Bruins: 3 New Jersey Devils trade targets

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 26: Kyle Palmieri #21 of the New Jersey Devils yells at Kevin Hayes #13 of the Philadelphia Flyers at the end of the second period at the Prudential Center on January 26, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 26: Kyle Palmieri #21 of the New Jersey Devils yells at Kevin Hayes #13 of the Philadelphia Flyers at the end of the second period at the Prudential Center on January 26, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Kyle Palmieri #21 of the New Jersey Devils heads for the net in the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Kyle Palmieri #21 of the New Jersey Devils heads for the net in the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Boston Bruins have had an up and down start to the 2021 season. One team that they just can’t seem to get an easy win out of though is the struggling New Jersey Devils.

The Devils are in the middle of a rebuild and have some great young pieces either with the big club right now – or in the pipeline for the near future. The future is bright for New Jersey, but for now they are still a bottom feeder in an ultra-competitive East Division.

After having four matches in the books against the New Jersey Devils – the Boston Bruins have gotten a great look at the roster and not just some of their future superstars, but also some great contributing role players.

With the NHL Trade Deadline just over a month away – teams should be starting to make calls and look for them to prioritize early deals instead of waiting for the deadline during this shortened season.

General Manager Don Sweeney should be scouting the whole league for contributing talent, but there are some great options within the division and the Devils may be one of the few teams who will look to be sellers come the deadline.

The Boston Bruins are looking to make a Stanley Cup run this season, but it’s not a stretch to say that they can’t get the job done with their current roster. Here are some options that Don Sweeney should be calling New Jersey GM Tom Fitzgerald about.

3. Kyle Palmieri

Could the Boston Bruins finally make a move for a guy who seems to be on the block every year?

It seems like clockwork every year when the Trade Deadline swings around and Kyle Palmieri‘s name is on the trade block. Saying that, he has yet to be traded and has remained with the New Jersey Devils for the duration of his contract.

This season could be different. An expiring UFA, Palmieri doesn’t seem like a long-term fit for a young Devils core. New Jersey would be wise to listen to offers on the veteran winger who has had 20+ goal seasons during his last five campaigns.

This guy seems like a perfect fit for the Boston Bruins and would be a great short-term option on David Krejci’s right wing for a (hopefully) long playoff run.

Boston Bruins forward lines with Kyle Palmieri.

Marchand – Bergeron – Pastrnak

Ritchie – Krejci – Palmieri

DeBrusk – Coyle – Smith

Frederic- Studnicka – Bjork

This is an extremely solid forward corps. The addition of Kyle Palmieri increases depth down the wing and creates four really strong units. Plus, how fun would that young fourth line be to watch?