3 awesome suitors for Sean Walker at the trade deadline
The New Jersey Devils need at least one more layer of defense to make a run
The theme of high-octane scoring but pedestrian play defensively continues with the New Jersey Devils, but this scenario is a little different. Before we dive into the specifics, we’re looking at a potential trade to a division rival currently seven points behind Philadelphia, so including the Devils may be rather puzzling.
However, the Devils figured to be one rung ahead of Philadelphia. And if the Flyers opt to rebuild, they should have no problem sending Walker to New Jersey. The Devils have plenty of prospects the Flyers could acquire in a possible trade regarding Walker, and they also possess draft capital.
Therefore, this trade isn’t out of the question if the Flyers sell, even if they remain a respectable margin ahead of their division rival. Philadelphia would benefit well here, and so will the Devils since they need to find a way to keep the pressure off their own goaltenders.
While New Jersey is only allowing 26.7 shots on goal per game as of February 21st, the issue is that they have also allowed 191 goals, which is 26th in the NHL. Ideally, Devils fans would see their team trade for a goaltender capable of blocking manageable shots on goal, but trading for someone who can help minimize defensive zone time is also a good option.
The latter is where Walker would come in, and the Devils goaltenders, should New Jersey forgo trading for one, should have a much easier time.
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(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference as of February 21st)