Elliotte Friedman reported that the New Jersey Devils may look to keep veteran forward Tyler Toffoli instead of trading him at the deadline.

Elliotte Friedman reported that the New Jersey Devils may look to keep veteran forward Tyler Toffoli instead of trading him at the deadline.

The Devils aren't giving up on their playoff hopes just yet despite sitting seven points back of the Philadelphia Flyers for third in the Metropolitan Division and eight points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Friedman reported the following regarding the Toffoli trade talks.

"The price is high, and negotiations continue. It’s poker, so we will see where we are in a few days, but the Devils like him, and I don’t think they wish to easily give up their playoff pursuit, no matter how tough their trip through southern California was."

Toffoli is on pace to score over 30 goals for the third time in his career and is also on pace to set a new career high in goals. Toffoli won a Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings and not only brings scoring to the Devils but veteran leadership for a team with many young players. 

Toffoli will be turning 32 before the season ends and is a pending UFA. If the Devils believe Toffoli will want to re-sign with the team, holding on to him at the trade deadline could be a smart move. But if Toffoli walks in the summer, letting him go for nothing would be bad business. The Devils could also benefit by selling high on a 32-year-old forward and allow their younger wingers to get more ice time.

Friedman also gave an update on the Devils' pursuit of Jacob Markstrom. 

"The Devils have not surrendered on Jacob Markstrom. If he is not traded to them this week, they will try again this summer. They’ve decided he is their target in goal."

Friedman mentioned that the Devils could be looking for defensemen.

"In addition to a goaltender with term, they have to be considering a defender too, but those are very hard to find. They’ve dangled Alexander Holtz but resisted Dawson Mercer."

The trade deadline will be a busy and interesting day for the Devils. GM Tom Fitzgerald will have his hands full.  The Devils have two home games against the Florida Panthers and St. Louis Blues before Friday's trade deadline. Those two games will play a huge part in the direction the team goes at the deadline. 

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