Tyler Toffoli Traded To The Winnipeg Jets
Tyler Toffoli is once again on the move for the second time in less than a year. The Winnipeg Jets are the winners of the pending UFA, and they are sending the New Jersey Devils draft picks in return. Tom Fitzgerald pulled off a stroke of magic to get him before the season, but 2023-2024 has been anything but in Newark. Darren Dreger initially confirmed that Winnipeg would be acquiring his services:
Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey devils are closing on trade sending Tyler Toffoli to Wpg.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 8, 2024
It is believed that a 2025 second and 2024 third-round pick is the return for Toffoli. Whether it’s Winnipeg or elsewhere, Toffoli is going to get a nice raise. He was brought in to be an offensive facilitator for the Devils and did exactly that. With 26 goals and 44 points in 61 games, it’s no surprise that he was one of the most in-demand forwards this year:
Tyler Toffoli, acquired by WPG, is a veteran top six winger who loves to shoot the puck and uses his high hockey IQ to get to dangerous areas and score. Not a fast skater but nonetheless effective off the rush. Other aspects of his game seem a bit context-dependent. #GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/jxZL4jZWvm
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 8, 2024
For Winnipeg, a team that is already in good position to win the Central Division just got even scarier. They are all-in on 2024 after adding Sean Monahan from the Habs. Even crazier, is that Toffoli is arguably a better player and they got him for even less! It is a pretty remarkable turnaround when you consider the firesale that was taking place only months ago. That forward group has got some serious talent and serious depth. With all that in mind, they believe they can run with the big dogs out West.
Always Next Year?
In an alternate timeline, the Jets and Devils could have made a completely different trade last Summer. After moving out big pieces like Pierre-Luc Dubois and Blake Wheeler, it appeared franchise goalie Connor Hellebuyck was next. After winning a playoff series, the Devils were reportedly interested as they needed a goalie to complete the squad. Instead, that idea got scrapped. The roles are now reversed, with the Jets contending for a playoff spot while New Jersey is selling. That deal would have probably been great for Fitzgerald because Hellebuyck is currently the favorite to win the Vezina. The point still stands that Jersey can be a threat once they find a legit goalie.
The Winnipeg Jets are continuing their big year with a very big push. They pried Tyler Toffoli from the New Jersey Devils ahead of what they hope could be a deep playoff run.
