New Jersey Devils
Let’s be real – the Penguins aren’t trading Kris Letang within the Metropolitan Division. Within the Eastern Conference is reasonable. But the last thing the Penguins want to do is face Letang four or five times a season for the next three years. If Letang really wants to hold all the cards, he should put zero Metro teams on his no-trade list. It would basically extend his no-trade list to 25 teams.
That’s unfortunate because the New Jersey Devils could really use him. The Devils are looking to upgrade their defense. A Damon Severson for Letang swap could make sense, assuming New Jersey adds in a pick or two. The 2019 first overall pick is obviously out of the question, but their 2020 first-rounder would make sense.
The Penguins would save quite a bit of money by swapping Letang for Severson. Pittsburgh would be getting a cost-controlled top-four right-handed defenseman, plus whatever draft picks the Devils toss into the deal.
Letang would help the Devils rebuild their blueline. They have the cap space to add him and if they manage to sign Jake Gardiner in free agency as well, that’s a heck of a way to rebuild your blueline. It would likely be enough to persuade Taylor Hall to stick around long-term. A trade with Kyle Palmieri as the primary piece could make sense if the Devils want to keep Severson.
Devils general manager Ray Shero knows Letang well from his time with the Penguins. He also knows he has to upgrade the team to persuade Hall to stick around. Shero is never afraid to pull the trigger on a deal, so don’t be surprised if he calls the Penguins about Letang. It probably won’t happen, but Shero won’t let that stop him from trying.