Report: Devils "Definitely Interested" In Islanders Star

Report: Devils "Definitely Interested" In Islanders Star

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On March 5, the New Jersey Devils confirmed that superstar center Jack Hughes is done for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery. This is just awful news for the Devils, as Hughes is their top star.

Although Hughes is done for the season, the Devils' plan is to still add to their roster by the NHL trade deadline. They reportedly have one of the NHL's top trade candidates on their radar.

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Devils are among the teams interested in New York Islanders pending unrestricted free agent Brock Nelson and have let their division rival know.

"New Jersey, now that Jack Hughes is out for the year, definitely interested [in Nelson]," LeBrun said. "They phoned today."

It is not surprising that the Devils have expressed interest in Nelson. While he would not replicate Hughes' elite offensive production if acquired, he would still give New Jersey's top six a boost and is easily the best center on the trade market right now.

Nelson, 33, has appeared in 61 games this season with the Islanders, where he has 20 goals, 43 points, and a plus-2 rating. He also scored at least 34 goals in each of his three previous seasons, so he certainly can put the puck in the net.

We will need to wait and see if the Devils can swing a trade for Nelson from here. The Islanders are still working hard to get him signed to an extension, but the clock is ticking on that front.