Some news during a big rumor weekend with teams getting ready for trade deadline.
Today, the Devils added Jonas Siegenthaler from the Caps for a conditional 3rd Round pick. Devils send Arizona's 3rd Rounder in 2021 (or becomes the Devils 3rd Round pick in 2021 if the pick not transferred to the Devils - this pick was acquired in the Taylor Hall deal).
Siegenthalter, who didn't fit in the Caps main D core is a 23 year old shut down D. Still young he brings what the Devils need and want; A young player with upside that could step into the mix. Especially since we may trade, or lose, veterans Vatanen and Kulikov via trade or expiring contract.
He also played with Hischier in the Swiss National Team in previous World Championships.
Personally, I think this is a solid deal. A depth pick for a young player that could make our top 6, Id like to see other similar deals as we use futures and picks to acquire young NHL ready players.
Montreal has placed Victor Mete on waivers, an interesting player the Devils should look at (especially if Butcher's days are numbered).
He will not be in the lineup tonight against the Penguins.
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Speaking of Vatanen, he has been placed on waivers today. Expect Vatanen to be on the move.
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The Gusev experiment is officially over. The underwhelming winger had his contract terminated by the Devils. AS the termination of is contract became official, Gusev and his agent didn't waster any time signing with Florida. A one year $1 Million dollar contract seems like a small price to pay for a piece that "could" crack the lineup. Or could he?
I think a change of scenery is what Gusev needs as he just never fit in with the team and the play Ruff and his staff have set forth. As Ruff said "...the youth just took over" and that was that.
Good luck to the Goose in Florida (as the Devils still pay for acquiring him).
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Another rookie, Marian Student will make his debut tonight against the Penguins. The 143rd pick in the 20017 Draft, Studenic has gained some lofty comments since being drafted:
Explosive winger with game-changing abilities who followed up a strong rookie season in the Slovak elite Extraliga with an up-and-down North American campaign with Hamilton. Studenic’s skills are undeniable — he is super fast, super agile and super aware. The problem was he couldn’t get a consistent job in the top six or on the power play, so he was forcing things while relegated to a depth role. Still, 14 of his 18 goals and 23 of 30 points came at even strength, and he is good for a couple of great chances a game. One underrated aspect of Studenic’s game is his vision, especially on zone entries.
- Steve Kournianos of The Draft Analyst
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Who is next to be sent off Devils Island?
Kulikov, Vatanen, Murray and Butcher seem like very likely candidates.
Vatanen, should he pass waivers, could be attractive for a contender.
Kulikov also.
I wouldn't mind having either back in the offseason.
Murray hasn't impressed but could be a vet depth presence for a contender.
The question becomes, what is next for Butcher? How unfortunate this season has been for Butcher who was once seen as an offensive hop for the Devils D. Who takes him and his 3.73M salary if he cant even stick in the Devils lineup? Frankly, I am surprised he hasn't been placed on waivers. I also cant see what the Devils plans for Butcher is while he sits in the Press box. Could he like Gusev, just be in a place with this coaching staff that can't be fixed?
Could Andreas Johnsson be on the move? Another player who just hasn't "fit in" but showing signs of life of late.
Miles Wood (reminds me of a Blake Coleman) could fetch a lot of interest. But personally, I think the Devils need Wood more than any likely return unless it wa s Nolan Foote kind of prospect of course. But his hard nosed style of play is something the lineup needs.
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Is this what "Hungry" looks like?
The Devils showed some spunk and emotion versus the Penguins and made it a game late in the third, almost getting the tie goal a few times.
This coming after the Devils traded Palmieri and Zajac is a good sign. A sign that all spots are open and every player left on this squad (after the Trade Deadline) HAS SOMETHING TO PROVE and this is a good enough driver to foster competition for every spot other than in net where Blackwood has shown he is the man and one of the top young goalies in the league.
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The next two days will be very exciting for the NHL and Devils fans.
Let's go Devils!!!
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate 
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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