THN.com/podcast. From THN On The 'A': Sharks' Nick Cicek on His Rise to the AHL and NHL Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk1NTMwMTkyOTg5NDY0MTMz/usatsi_19850711.jpg] The New Jersey Devils are jockeying with the Carolina Hurricanes for first place in the Metropolitan Division. For the first time, GM Tom Fitzgerald could become a trade-deadline buyer. In a Jan. 27 interview with The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun [https://theathletic.com/4129560/2023/01/27/devils-nhl-trade-deadline/], Fitzgerald indicated he'd like to add a top-six winger if possible. He'd also prefer if that player's rights extended beyond this season. In other words, someone with term remaining on his contract or a restricted free agent. Fitzgerald didn't reveal his trade target, but LeBrun and THN.com's Adam Proteau [https://thehockeynews.com/news/should-the-new-jersey-devils-trade-for-sharks-timo-meier] felt San Jose's Timo Meier might fit the bill. The 26-year-old Sharks winger is slated to become an RFA on July 1 and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://twitter.com/NHL_Watcher/status/1619207312656453634] reported the Devils had previously spoken to the St. Louis Blues about Vladimir Tarasenko. Tarasenko, however, is due to become a UFA on July 1. Signing RFA winger Jesper Bratt to a contract extension remains Fitzgerald's top priority. LeBrun believes Fitzgerald is attempting to sign the 24-year-old winger to a long-term deal worth between Nico Hischier's $7.25-million average annual value and Jack Hughes' $8 million. Cap Friendly [https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/devils] indicates the Devils have a projected $46.9 million invested in nine players for 2023-24. They'd have plenty of room for Bratt and perhaps a new contract for Meier or Tarasenko, but they must ensure sufficient space to fill out the roster. Acquiring Meier or Tarasenko could become insurance for Fitzgerald should negotiations with Bratt fall through. Either one could replace Bratt if the latter gets traded in the off-season.
