Tyler Toffoli traded to New Jersey Devils

Tyler Toffoli traded to New Jersey Devils

Tyler Toffoli is finally out of Calgary. After weeks of rumors, the Flames are sending Toffoli to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Yegor Sharangovich and a third-round pick, Elliotte Friedman broke the news Tuesday.

Tyler Toffoli has been traded to NJ for Yegor Sharangovich and a third

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 27, 2023

This is an amazing pickup for Jersey. With Jesper Bratt signed and a Timo Meier extension on the table, their top six just got even better–and for only a third-round pick and a player they were ready to cut ties on. 2023 is very quickly becoming the summer of Tom Fitzgerald and the Devils. They were also able to squeeze a sixth-round pick out of the Sharks in exchange for Mackenzie Blackwood. People may not realize it yet, but the Metro might belong to the Devils for a long time.

Calgary’s Loss, Jersey’s Gain

The Flames, and Western Canada in general, are in dire straights. Other than the Oilers, it seems like no one is interested in being there anymore. Pierre-Luc Dubois’ move to LA is only the beginning of a major offseason in Winnipeg. The Canucks can’t seem to get out of their own way–and once again, another piece from the 2022 Flames is being shipped out.

That’s not even the worst of it. Noah Hanifan may very well be gone this offseason, while Calgary is also stuck with a declining Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau.

Both are on the wrong side of 30-years-old and will be paid a combined $17.5 million for the next half-decade plus. Things could get way worse before they get better in the C of Red. The Flames will have to work a bridge deal out with Sharangovich but they have much bigger fish to fry.

Running With The Devils

Once again, Tom Fitzgerald strikes from the top rope. Toffoli will be paid $4.25 million for one more season, but I don’t think they’re too concerned about an extension at the moment. They just made a big swing for a guy who had a career year. Toffoli’s 73 points this season is 15 more than the next closest year in Los Angeles. Lindy Ruff will now have to decide whether he plays with Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier. I think that’s a great problem to have.

The Devils do have some guys to bring back but still have $19 million in cap space. You’d assume close to half of that will go to Meier in his extension. When you consider the Devils still have $2.3 million in dead cap that comes off the books in 2024 it’s getting to be ridiculous.

Jersey still has the main horses in their farm of prospects. They will be able to find depth pieces on the cheap to round out their bottom six. Luke Hughes will probably have his first full season in the league on a rookie deal. It’s getting to the point where Fitzgerald is playing chess while the other GMs are playing checkers.

The Devils are getting richer and richer. They are loading up to go much further than the second round in next year’s playoffs.

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