Don't Mess With The Metro

With the top free agent Kevin Shattenkirk going to the rival New York Rangers, the Devils needed to make some moves. With over $25 million in cap space after signing Brian Boyle, Ray Shero had to bring on a contract or two to bring the team above the cap floor. Washington, on the other hand, had $4.6 million in cap space, and still had to sign Andre Burakovsky, Phillip Grubauer, and five others. Ray Shero came to the rescue, and helped out both the Capitals and the Devils by trading for Marcus Johansson, relieving Washington of $4.5 million in cap space. In return, Washington received two draft picks, neither of which are New Jersey's own picks. Going to the Capitals are the Panthers' second round pick in 2018 (acquired in the Marc Savard trade last June), and Toronto's 3rd round pick in 2018 (acquired as compensation for the Leafs hiring ex-Devils GM Lou Lamoriello). What does this mean for the Devils?

For Johansson he travels North on I-95 but South in the standings going from the presidents trophy winners to the winners of the draft lottery. Johansson scored 24 goals last season, 2 shy of Kyle Palmieri's team leading 26. With 58 points on the season, he scored more than Devils points leader Taylor Hall, who scored 53. This trade gives New Jersey a lot more scoring, something they really struggled with last season. While the Devils won't be jumping into the playoffs immediately, this might help them get out of the bottom of the Metro.

Devils fans will have to hope for the best.

Contributed by Dave (@MyNameIsNidos)