The New Jersey Devils aren’t giving up on their playoff hopes, even after losing star Jack Hughes to injury. They’ve just made a move to shore up their struggling defense, acquiring veteran Brian Dumoulin from the Anaheim Ducks.
The Devils sent a 2024 second-round pick and prospect Tomas Traff to Anaheim in the deal.
It’s been a tough stretch for New Jersey’s blue line. They’re already missing top defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who’s out week-to-week, and Jonas Siegenthaler just landed on long-term injured reserve.
Dumoulin comes with a manageable $1.575M cap hit and brings plenty of experience. The 33-year-old has been surprisingly durable this season, playing in all 61 games for the Ducks while putting up 16 points.
But there are some warning signs. His advanced stats haven’t been great in Anaheim – he’s been on the ice for more shots against than for, though that’s partly because he’s been used heavily in defensive situations.
The Devils are betting those numbers will improve in their system.
“Brian gives us the veteran presence we need right now,” said Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald. “He knows what it takes to win in this league.”
For the Ducks, this move lets them focus on their young defensive core. They’ll give more ice time to promising youngsters Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zellweger – all under 25 years old.
The prospect heading to Anaheim, 19-year-old Tomas Traff, has shown promise in Sweden’s top league this year. The big winger (6’3″, 216 lbs) has put up 7 points in 25 games for HV71.
Dumoulin will likely start on the Devils’ third defensive pair, but his role could shrink once Siegenthaler returns. That makes the price tag – a second-rounder plus a prospect – feel a bit steep for what might end up being just a rental player.
The Devils currently sit third in the Metropolitan Division. They’re hoping this move helps them hang onto that playoff spot, even with their injury challenges.
