The New Jersey Devils added a proven scorer to their young forward group, acquiring Tyler Toffoli from the Calgary Flames.
The New Jersey Devils were one of the big surprises of the 2022-23 season. They were able to clinch the second-seed in the Eastern Conference, overcame an 0-2 deficit in which the New York Rangers pummeled them, yet advanced in seven games. However, they were unable to get past the Carolina Hurricanes. The future looks bright for the Devils, with Jack Hughes proving that he will be one of the league's biggest young stars, and having a solid core with Nico Hischier, Dougie Hamilton, and Jesper Bratt. So, this was the opportunity for Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald to make a big move that would help put them over the top in the Metropolitan Division.
On Tuesday, it looked like they did just that, on paper.
The Devils acquired winger Tyler Toffoli from the Calgary Flames in exchange for forward Yegor Sharangovich and the No. 80 overall pick in Wednesday's NHL Draft. Both teams announced the trade.
NHL trade grades: Who won the Tyler Toffoli trade between Devils, and Flames?
With the trade agreed upon, now we get into the business of "Which team won the trade right now, mere minutes after the announcement?" Well, we're going to take a crack at it.
Devils trade grade: A
What a deal by the Devils. That No. 80 overall pick they sent to the Flames was the one they acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets this offseason after trading defenseman Damon Severson. They have now used that pick to bring in a scoring winger in Toffoli.
Toffoli is coming off a career year with the Flames, where he scored 34 goals and dished out 39 assists for a total of 73 points, all of which were the most that he put up in a single season. Now, he slots into the Top 6 with Hughes, Hischier, Bratt, and Ondrej Palat. That should help them solidify their standing as one of the top teams in the Metro.
One thing that will be worth keeping an eye on is if the Devils can reach a contract extension with Toffoli, as he becomes a free agent after the 2023-24 season.
Flames trade grade: C
The Flames are in a difficult position, as numerous players on the team would like to be dealt elsewhere. Michael Backlund, Noah Hannifan, and Elias Lindholm are likely on their way out of Calgary. Toffoli was another name brought up, with TSN and SDPN Sports insider Chris Johnston tweeting out that "it sounds like the player is looking for a trade out of Calgary."
Less than a week later, the Flames find a new home for Toffoli. With this move, the Flames bring in Sharangovich, a 25-year-old forward and fifth-round pick in 2018, and a 2023 third-round draft pick.
This past season, Sharangovich recorded 13 goals, 17 assists, and 30 points in 75 games played. In his three seasons in New Jersey, Sharangovich posted 53 goals, 53 assists, and 106 points.
While the Flames did bring in Sharangovich, they will have to negotiate a new contract with him, as he's a restricted free agent. If the Flames don't place a qualifying offer on Sharangovich by June 29, then he will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
