Devils Bench Ondrej Palat for Roster Adjustments

The New Jersey Devils are making progress in trading winger Ondřej Palát, who will sit out tonight’s game against the Winnipeg Jets for roster-related reasons. This action aligns with the team’s ongoing efforts to shed Palát’s significant cap hit of $6 million.

Trade Initiatives and Contract Details

The drive to offload Palát dates back to the previous summer. The Devils aimed to create salary cap space and enhance their roster. This urgency intensified as the team struggled to finalize a deal for star player Quinn Hughes.

• Palát has a 10-team no-trade list and a no-movement clause, complicating the trade process.
• The contract runs through next season, with a five-year, $30 million agreement made in 2022.

Palát’s Performance and Impact

At 34 years old, Palát’s performance has noticeably declined. His first season with the Devils was marred by injuries, resulting in limited ice time and production.

• Last season, he averaged just 13:45 minutes of ice time per game.
• He recorded only 15 goals and 28 points in 77 games, a stark contrast to his previous scoring history.
• During his decade with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he averaged 55 points per 82 games.

In contrast, his output with New Jersey has fallen to an average of 30 points. This year, Palát has only contributed 10 points in 51 games, marking his worst career pace.

Current Trade Scenario

Despite his underwhelming performance, reports indicate that the Devils’ general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, has identified a potential trade partner not included on Palát’s no-trade list. This partnership could involve taking on a significant portion of his contract.

Although Palát’s possession statistics were somewhat favorable during the first two years of his contract, recent data shows a decline. The Devils have struggled to maintain control, with under 50% of shot attempts when Palát is on the ice at even strength.

As the Devils look to make roster adjustments, unloading Palát’s contract appears to be a priority. Whether they can finalize a trade remains to be seen.