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Devils looking for a left-handed defenseman: An opportunity for the Habs?

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 17: Mike Matheson #8 of the Montreal Canadiens looks on during the warm-up of the NHL regular season game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals at the Bell Centre on February 17, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Vitor Munhoz/NHLI via Getty Images)

The New Jersey Devils set the ball rolling on this crazy day of NHL transactions on Wednesday, when they picked up Jacob Markstrom. Their work isn’t done, however, as they are now reportedly looking for a left-handed defenseman.

That’s what Mathias Brunet told BPM Sports on Wednesday afternoon.

In fact, Brunet also made a connection between this demand for a left-handed defenseman and the abundance of this type of player in the Canadiens’ organization.

New Jersey has the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft, and they might be tempted to trade him if the return offer is good. The Canadiens have an array of left-handed defensemen and could try to make them an offer.

Brunet even went so far as to predict a transaction that could take place between the Devils and the Habs. He could see the Tricolore sending Mike Matheson and another minor forward to New Jersey in return for the 10th overall pick.

It’s not clear that such a deal would interest the Devils, but as Brunet says, “I hope New Jersey bites.”

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Would the Devils really want an offensive defenseman with their current roster?

They already have Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton forming the first pair of their defense, and both players have excellent offensive skills. Perhaps it’s a little more physical, defensive play that New Jersey is looking for.

If the Devils are interested in acquiring Matheson, but require a little something extra, the Canadiens will probably have to part with the Winnipeg Jets’ pick or a second-round pick.

To acquire the 10th overall pick in a draft packed with talent, the risk could be very good!

But there’s a lot of action for one day right now. I think the Devils will wait a little while before making another deal.

Overtime

– Another NHL deal in the offing?

– Interesting stuff.

– We can’t wait to see it.

– She won’t stop there.

– This will be a major challenge.