The Devils made that move in added what they hope will be at least a top-six forward and with luck, an eventual first liner as the Devils obtained left wing Nikita Gusev from the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
The Devils traded their 2020 third-round draft and their 2021 second-rounder to the Golden Knights for Gusev, who has dominated the Russia-based KHL over the last few seasons.
Gusev had leverage with the cap starved Knights in that he could return for one more season in the KHL and then return for the 2020-21 offseason as a free agent and leaving Las Vegas with nothing for Gusev, whose rights they acquired from Tampa Bay during their expansion draft.
The Devils offer of two picks was reportedly more than the one that came from the other suitor, the Columbus Blue Jackets and put them at the forefront to make the deal.
Ray Shero quickly signed Gusev to a two-year contract worth nine million and avoid any concern about a return to Russia.
There are two schools of thought about Gusev, who led the KHL in points and assists last season and won the league's MVP award for the 2017-18 season.
The doubters wonder if at 27, Gusev is as good as he is going to get, worries about his size 5'11 and slight of build and that he isn't the most skilled skater around.
The believers counter with what they claim are Gusev's elite hands and vision and believe he'll easily be a top-six forward.
Gusev's play in the KHL was superior to that of both Evgeny Dadonov and Artemi Panarin (newly of the Rangers) and one would think that Gusev should be at least close to their level, if not superior and for that type of production, I'll take him for the cost of a 2 and 3, especially when you consider that they won't be in the same draft year.
This is a low risk and high reward trade by the Devils and I'm all in!
It's going to be a very fun season of hockey, I think in New Jersey.
For a look at some Nikita Gusev highlights, play the video below!
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