3 Gritty Top-Six Forwards for the Devils to Target via Trade

New Jersey Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has his work cut out for him this summer.

He’s certainly going to need to acquire a goaltender and a defenseman. After trading Tyler Toffoli to the Winnipeg Jets at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, the Devils need another top-six forward as well.

There will be some intriguing options such as Steven Stamkos, Jake Guentzel, or even Jonathan Marchessault available via free agency if the aforementioned make it that far.

However, the Devils could certainly use a bit more bite up front if possible. That player could be available this summer, however, if Fitzgerald took the trade route, who would be a good fit alongside Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, & Co?

A narrative has circulated connecting the Devils with Ottawa Senators captain, Brady Tkachuk. Whether that’s realistic or not is certainly in question. However, if Tkachuk is available, the Devils GM should be knocking down Steve Staios’ door with an offer. However, if he isn’t, who else is cut from a similar cloth that would fit in the Devils’ top six and brings a bit of elbow grease?

I have some thoughts.

Lawson Crouse

Who knows what’s going through the mind of Lawson Crouse right now?

The Utah forward signed a five-year, $21.5 million deal to play for the Arizona Coyotes through 2027 who have now been uprooted to Salt Lake City.

Perhaps, he’s been star-struck by the valiant efforts of Ryan Smith, his team’s new owner, who put together quite the welcoming party for Utah’s new team. Yet, is there any part of him that’s feeling slighted by the way everything has transpired in the move from Arizona to Utah?

The nameless Utah hockey team is certainly on the upswing despite the relocation. However, so are the Devils and Crouse has no protection from trade.

In his first full season in the NHL, Crouse threw 288 hits in 81 games, scoring 11 goals and 25 points in the process. Last season, the power forward scored 23 goals and 42 points while throwing 175 hits.

Arizona has talent, however, maybe not quite as elite — at least not yet — as the likes of Hughes and Bratt. It’s easy to imagine a scenario where Crouse inches closer to the 30-goal mark next to New Jersey’s playmakers while providing physicality.

Utah will reportedly be adding this summer and by no means do they need to let go of Crouse. However, if Utah is willing to dance, Crouse addresses a need in the Devils’ lineup.

Crouse has three seasons remaining on his contract at an affordable $4.3 million cap hit.

Eeli Tolvanen

Even I was surprised to see how quietly Eeli Tolvanen threw his body around this season.

The Seattle Kraken forward ranked 28th overall in the NHL, throwing 210 hits in 81 games this season.

In the process, Tolvanen filled the net 16 times, totaling 41 points alongside Jared McCann and Jaden Schwartz. Again, fine players, but not quite the Devils’ elite playmakers.

When the Nashville Predators traded Tolvanen to the Kraken, it proved to be the best thing for his development. His 16 goals in 48 games with Seattle last season were proven no fluke, although he slowed down a bit as the Kraken began to waiver.

According to Geoff Baker, “Tolvanen’s brand of hockey is an intriguing two-way mix of playmaking, sharpshooting and a somewhat surprising physical component that doesn’t see him intimidated by opposing defenders or goal-scorers. The Finnish native is not averse to dirty work in tough spaces alongside linemates Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand and the result has been one of the most productive third lines in hockey — one that can prevent goals as much as score them.”

That certainly sounds like a need that would be addressed in the Devils’ lineup.

Tolvanen is a pending restricted free agent who made $1.45 million last season. He’s due for a raise, however, nothing significant.

But, that’s a later problem if the Devils acquire the player.

Sam Bennett

The Florida Panthers are one game away from sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

However, whenever their season does come to an end, General Manager Barry Zito has work to do.

The Cats’ No.1 scorer, Sam Reinhart, needs a new contract. As does Brandon Montour, restricted free agent youngster, Anton Lundell, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Vladimir Tarasenko should they choose to keep the latter two.

And that’s just naming a few.

Therefore, it’s entirely possible that Sam Bennett is the sacrificial lamb if Zito finds himself short-changed while trying to retain some of his key players.

Admittedly, Bennett is a bit of a hospital bracelet. He’s currently out of the Panthers’ lineup after suffering an injury in Game 2 of the series against the Lightning. Additionally, he has just one season in which he participated in a full 82-game span in his 10-year career.

However, he’s never played less than 63 (Covid year aside), and having Bennett for three-quarters of a season is better than not at all.

Bennett reinvented himself in Florida after he was traded to Sunrise by the Calgary Flames. He developed into a gritty two-way forward who can fill the net and punish you with the body.

The 27-year-old forward scored 20 goals and 41 assists in 69 games this season, all while throwing 173 hits.

Jack Hughes playing the wing for half the season was more likely a result of him playing with an injured shoulder. However, if it’s something the Devils believe they can go to in the future, Bennett is a fine 2C behind Nico Hischier and next to Hughes.

If the Panthers believe they need to shed his $4.425 million cap hit which expires next summer, the Devils should be buyers.