New Jersey Devils: 5 players they should trade this season

3. Wayne Simmonds

Years Left: 1 (expires after 2019-20)

Cap hit: $5 million

Wayne Simmonds is an obvious trade candidate for several reasons. First of all, he will be a free agent in July. There’s no reason the New Jersey Devils shouldn’t listen to trade offers for him. Secondly, it makes very little sense to try to keep him around. Simmonds is 31 years old and clearly on the decline. He has 11 points through his first 27 games, so he’s not a guy the Devils should prioritize.

Thirdly, Simmonds is someone the Devils could likely trade for a decent haul. His perceived value is higher than his actual value. Last season, despite struggling with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Flyers were able to trade him to the Nashville Predators for a conditional fourth-round pick and Ryan Hartman.

Simmonds is no longer the top-notch power forward he was, but teams love to acquire gritty players at the trade deadline. There won’t be a shortage of suitors for him. Even if the Devils just get a fourth-round pick for Simmonds, it would help them recoup the draft capital they gave up during the 2019 offseason.

If the Devils are smart, they’ll subtly pump Simmonds trade value up a bit. Giving him more power play time should give him a decent boost in production. Again, the Devils aren’t going to have a lack of suitors for Simmonds. He’s the kind of guy teams love to add at the deadline.