The New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche made a small trade

The Colorado Avalanche are one of the best teams in the NHL right now. The New Jersey Devils are trying to get to where Colorado is right now.

New Jersey is a bubble team this year after being one of the best in the league last year. Something is missing from that group in addition to a good goaltender.

Some think they aren't a very tough team. Well, the two teams made a trade on Friday that might help the Devils out in that department.

The Devils are sending a 7th-round pick in 2024 along with Zakhar Bardakov to the Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Kurtis MacDermid.

The New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche have made a trade

MacDermid is a guy who should bring some physicality along with intimidation to his game if the Devils end up using him in the lineup.

He has also shown the ability to play forward and defense in his career, albeit not as good as some would like.

This is a player that brings little to no offense. He has played 29 games with the Avalanche this season and has two goals and no assists. That is not why the Devils wanted him.

As for Zakhar Bardakov, he was a 7th-round pick by New Jersey in 2021 and now his rights are headed to Colorado.

Right now, he is a depth forward on Ska St. Peterberg. We'll see if he ever comes over to North America to play in the NHL. In 51 games in St. Petersberg, he has six goals and six assists for 12 points.

This isn't a trade that is moving the needle for either team. Both of them are probably expecting to make more moves before next week's deadline.

With that said, the Devils are getting some fighting sandpaper in exchange for a pick and a prospect which is something Colorado will take at this point. It will be interesting to see how everyone involved moves on with their new organization.