The New Jersey Devils made a rare move in the NHL offseason by executing a sign-and-trade deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, sending defenseman Damon Severson to Columbus in exchange for forward prospect Jakob Lilja and a 2021 fifth-round draft pick.
Severson, 26, has spent his entire career with the Devils since being drafted by the team in the second round of the 2012 NHL Draft. He has played in 405 games for New Jersey, recording 41 goals and 105 assists. Last season, he had a career-high 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists) in 69 games.
The sign-and-trade deal is an uncommon move in the NHL, but it allows teams to work around salary cap constraints. Severson signed a six-year, $25 million contract extension with the Devils in 2017, which carries an annual average value (AAV) of $4.166 million. By trading Severson to Columbus, the Devils are able to shed his salary and free up cap space for other moves.
In return, the Devils receive Lilja, a 26-year-old forward who has played the past two seasons in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). In 49 games with Djurgardens IF last season, Lilja recorded 14 goals and 16 assists. He is expected to compete for a roster spot with the Devils this season.
The fifth-round draft pick acquired by the Devils in the trade is also a valuable asset. While fifth-round picks may not have the same level of hype as first-round picks, they can still yield quality NHL players. Recent fifth-round picks who have made an impact in the NHL include Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point and Boston Bruins defenseman Connor Clifton.
The trade also marks a shift in direction for the Devils, who finished last in the Metropolitan Division last season with a record of 28-29-12. New Jersey has been active in the offseason, acquiring defenseman Ryan Murray from the Blue Jackets and signing free agent goaltender Corey Crawford. The team is hoping to bounce back and compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.
Overall, the sign-and-trade deal between the Devils and Blue Jackets is an interesting move that benefits both teams. The Devils shed salary and acquire a promising forward prospect and a draft pick, while the Blue Jackets add a proven defenseman to their roster. It will be interesting to see how both players perform in their new environments and how the trade impacts both teams in the upcoming season.
