Devils Face Cap Crunch, Palat Trade Becomes Top Priority

The New Jersey Devils are actively seeking to trade veteran winger Ondrej Palat. This move is a direct effort to clear critical salary cap space. The team aims to free up resources for more impactful roster upgrades this offseason.

According to NHL insider Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Palat’s contract is the most logical to move. His $6 million annual cap hit is seen as a major obstacle. The Devils need financial flexibility to build a true Stanley Cup contender around their young stars.

Palat’s Performance No Longer Matches His Pay

Ondrej Palat remains a responsible two-way player. However, his offensive production has significantly declined in recent seasons. This creates a major problem for the Devils’ salary structure.

Analysis shows Palat’s current on-ice value is estimated around $2.4 million. That is less than half of his actual $6 million cap charge. This massive overpayment severely limits what General Manager Tom Fitzgerald can do in the market.

The Devils originally signed Palat for his veteran leadership and playoff pedigree. He won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now, the team must prioritize cap efficiency over intangible benefits to take the next step.

A Trade Scenario Is Plausible Despite the Contract

Moving Palat won’t be easy, but it is feasible. His contract is heavily front-loaded, meaning most of the actual salary has already been paid. This is a key detail for potential trade partners.

A team needing to reach the NHL’s salary cap floor could be interested. A rebuilding club might value his expiring contract and experience. They could acquire him in exchange for future assets while spending little real cash.

This scenario allows the Devils to offload salary. It would likely require them to attach a draft pick or prospect as an incentive. The cost is worth it for the crucial cap relief it provides.

The released funds could then target a top-six winger or stabilize the goaltending. This strategic cap management is essential for the Devils’ championship aspirations. The pressure is on Fitzgerald to engineer this complex financial move.

Freeing up cap space by moving Ondrej Palat is the Devils’ most pressing offseason objective. Successfully navigating this situation will define their ability to contend next season.

Thought you’d like to know

Why do the Devils need to trade Ondrej Palat?

They need to clear his $6 million salary cap hit. That money is crucial for signing or trading for higher-impact players to improve the roster. His current production does not justify his large cap charge.

What would the Devils get in a trade for Palat?

The primary return would be cap space, not players. The Devils might receive a late-round draft pick, but the main goal is to offload his contract. They may even need to include a sweetener like a prospect to complete the deal.

Which teams might be interested in trading for Palat?

Teams near the bottom of the league needing to reach the salary cap floor are logical partners. Rebuilding franchises with ample cap space could absorb his contract for a season. They would do it to acquire future assets from New Jersey.

How has Palat performed for the Devils?

His offensive numbers have declined from his peak years in Tampa Bay. While he provides defensive responsibility and veteran experience, his point production has not met the expectations set by his contract value. This has led to the desire for a change.

When does Ondrej Palat’s contract expire?

His current contract runs through the end of the 2025-26 NHL season. This means he has one year remaining at a $6 million cap hit, making him a potential “expiring contract” trade target this summer.