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Could Canadiens Be Tempted By Devils’ First Round Pick?

By Patrick Lortie

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 30: General manager Tom Fitzgerald of the New Jersey Devils announces a contract extension for Jack Hughes prior to the game against the San Jose Sharks at the Prudential Center on November 30, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 30: General manager Tom Fitzgerald of the New Jersey Devils announces a contract extension for Jack Hughes prior to the game against the San Jose Sharks at the Prudential Center on November 30, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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As Montreal Canadiens fans are highly anticipating Tuesday’s draft lottery results, one bombshell was dropped by New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.

The Devils finished 28th in the NHL and can theoretically draft in the top 5. They also have an 8.5% chance of drafting first.

Despite finishing so low, it seems the Devils are willing to make a big move in order to get their young team to the next level. Counting on a young core consisting of captain Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer up front, as well as Dougie Hamilton and Ryan Graves leading the pack at the blue line, the Devils are only a few pieces away from elevating their game.

Nico Hischier (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
Nico Hischier (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images) /

Tom Fitzgerald said he’s looking for an impact player. Obviously the Canadiens won’t trade away any of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield or Alexander Romanov, so who’s left that can be part of a package that would bring the Canadiens New Jersey’s first round pick?

Christian Dvorak was acquired for a 1st round pick but that pick will end up being Carolina’s 30th overall. There would need to be a significant addition in order to convince the Devils to pick him.

Jeff Petry? Forget it. We’ll be lucky to win any trade that involves him.

The only player I can think of that could make a trade work is Josh Anderson. The power forward would be a perfect addition to the Devils as there’s not only a glaring hole on the right side of the wing, but having him paired up with a much less physical centerman in Hughes or Hischier would bring great balance to the line. Not to mention, Anderson has proven that he’s a team player and much was said about his positive influence in the locker room.

Josh Anderson (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Josh Anderson (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Unloading Anderson, who has an 8 team no trade clause until 2023-24, would alleviate the Canadiens of $5.5 million for the next 5 years, which would be a huge relief for Kent Hughes who’s facing major cap issues heading into the off-season.

Anderson had a streaky season but still proved himself valuable on more than one occasion. While the Canadiens definitely need to beef up at the forward level, subtracting Anderson and a couple of young players in order to pick twice in the top 5 at the next draft is a no brainer given the current situation the Canadiens are facing.

What do you think? Would you trade Josh Anderson for a chance at a top 5 pick? Comment below!

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