Guest Writer: Tragedy in Dallas. What was the icing on the cake? By Chris.

I think Jack is done-for. That looked like a few months.

Given all the tough news lately, I'd look at this deadline a lot like the Taylor Hall MVP year - make a small move or two (like the Grabner/Maroon acquisitions) to support the guys and give them a "chance". It's clear as day that we have as many as FIVE passengers amongst the forwards any given night. Unfortunately, that can't be remedied in the next couple days and it needs to be the priority this offseason.

The easiest things to point out involve Palat and Haula stepping into modified no-trade clauses this offseason (although Palat still has a NMC attached to it, so that elicits a tough conversation). Bastian, Dowling, Lazar and Tatar all go to UFA which is a terrific opportunity to say "best of luck" and completely retool the bottom 6.

The cap increase comes at a terrific time for the Devils given Luke's inevitable significant raise and the need to bring in noteworthy depth. Massive six-month stretch here for Fitzy if we're to become legitimate cup contenders and move beyond the pretenders grouping.

Bring in Nelson and palmeri !!! Lets gooooo

Good write up Chris. Love the Shakespeare tie in.

That was an awful way to lose a game.

If Jack is done for the season, I wouldn’t make any rash trades for UFA’s. I would only make trades for guys with term that make us better next year. Too many holes in the boat to fill at the deadline. Save the assets and be methodical. This team can’t even win 2 in a row, let alone 16 in the playoffs

Assuming this team even makes the playoffs they are one and done imo.
From what i am seeing this team is no where near ready to make a deep run in the playoffs. It's too late in the season for these guys to be consistently making stupid mistakes.
Starting to wonder if Keefe was the right coaching choice.

Hughes probably needs surgery . but deciding to get it now or wait till off season . He did go to COLORADO doctor who did last shoulder surgery.

Still need secondary scoring ..

Meier looked good as did Nico ,Tatar , and Bratt

Cotter and Noesen looked tougher .

Ill give Palat ,Lazar and Dowling a pass they were OK .

Its the Mercer , Bastian ,Huala . that did nothing ...

NEMEC is NOT a NHL Dman right now .... Looks unsure , Afraid to shoot of pass. Casey is realky small for an NHL DMAN . trouble last 19 games.

The 25 Devs are done! It’s just horrible to conceive at this point, but I think we all know Jackson’s injury is catastrophic. Not only to him as a player but to this organization. Yes, it is really that bad.

Bring in Nelson and palmeri !!! Lets gooooo
- Theathletic is for libs

You’re kidding right?

You’re kidding right?
- bodychec0139

I was hoping he was kidding

That icing call sucked, but I think the play of Dougie on the first goal, and the turnover in the same period could arguable be worse. What a piss poor effort

I was hoping he was kidding
- shvingter88

Why would be kidding ggayy boy?

Need a 2nd line center and mid six winger.

Boom perfect fits.

You cucks are all wahhh szn over cause no jack. Got news for u jacks career prob done dudes too small and shoulders are already shot ar 23

BREAKING: #NJDevils Jack Hughes has undergone shoulder surgery and is done for the season. He is placed on LTIR ($8M) and will be ready for training camp.

Brutal for a great player. poopty for the league

Didn’t even make it to the ides of march

Elias Petterson would look good in a Devils jersey

Elias Petterson would look good in a Devils jersey
- Reubenkincade

Are you saying that as a Canuck’s fan or devils?

Elias Petterson would look good in a Devils jersey
- Reubenkincade

We’ll swap him for Timo. They both are overrated and useless