With the way the NHL trade market is shaping up, the New Jersey Devils should consider trading Cody Glass. However, they should consider it for one reason only.
The Devils have been seeking an upgrade to their top six for quite some time. They want to add a forward with scoring skills who can play on a line with Jack Hughes – a void that has been left since Tyler Toffoli transferred two deadlines ago.
Given that the Devils' playoff hopes are all but gone while the NHL trade market appears to be bloated, moving Glass to help the Devils accumulate assets to help them acquire the scorer they are looking for seems like an obvious move.
Glass is in the first year of a two-year contract. He has a favorable $2.5 million cap hit and is no trade protection.
A lot of teams that are scouting or heading to the postseason are in the market for a center.
The Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, and Glass' former club, the Vegas Golden Knights – currently playing Mitch Marner as a center – all fit the bill.
Maybe even the Edmonton Oilers. However, they just acquired Jason Dickinson from the Chicago Blackhawks, and will likely install him at the center position.
Glass, who plays at a favorable cap hit while scoring at a 20-goal pace with elite defensive metrics as a third-line center who can also kill penalties, makes him a desirable addition for most playoff teams.
The Devils forward explained that before playing in New Jersey, he never really had a designated role. Sheldon Keefe said Glass' role has led to his success this season.
Thus, an inquiring team should be able to see similar success with Glass. Especially now that they know what they are getting with the former sixth overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft.
So, what can devils get from glass?
Well, recent history saw the Nashville Predators trade Michael McCarron to the Minnesota Wild for a 2028 second-round selection. Remaining with the Predators, they sent Cole Smith to Vegas for a 2028 third-round pick and a prospect.
Given that these prices are for depth forwards who don't have scoring touch, Glass could certainly fetch more, especially because he plays a premium position.
Is a first-round pick out of the question? Especially for a team like the Avalanche? They don't have that pick this year, but they do have 2027, and there's no reason to believe the first-round pick won't be closer to the second round than the top half of the first round.
Even if it isn't that much, a few second-round picks in 2027 also seem plausible. This gives the Devils enough compensation to be flexible with their possessions to reel in a goalscorer.
The Devils are reportedly ready to land Simon Nemec in the right deal. Add the compensation from the Glass deal, or perhaps add what New Jersey has better, and maybe they could go with Jordan Kirou.
And if no moves are made by the trade deadline, perhaps the Devils could seriously add a guy like Jason Robertson into the mix should he not be dealt with Dallas this summer. Or, dare I say it, Brady Tkachuk if things go to extremes in Ottawa.
But, why trade glass if you will need it in the future?
Well, for starters, the Devils can always keep Nick Bjugstad. This was his intention after all. However, he is probably better suited in a 4C role.
Still, there will be plenty of options through free agency this summer.
Some names that come to mind – if they reach July 1 – are Charlie Coyle, JG Pageau, Bobby McMann and Boone Jenner. Dare I say, Eric Haula will also be available.
It is certainly important that the Devils do not let their 3C position become a black hole again. However, the bigger hole is on Jack's left side, where the Devils have been looking for a goalscorer for a long time.
The Devils should trade Glass, but only if they can use the compensation they receive later to reel in the goalscorer they want in the top six.
I don't know about you, but I'd rather have Kirau than Glass.
