Pictured above is GM Ray Shero and Head Coach John Hynes. –Getty Images
Trades and Explanations
Dalton Prout is one of the league’s most physical defensive-defenseman. –Getty Images
Deal #1: New Jersey trades Defenseman Kyle Quincey to Columbus for Defenseman Dalton Prout.
At first glance you may have been thinking why the heck didn’t Shero get a draft pick(s)? With Jordie Benn going for a 4th round pick, it’s possible Quincey would’ve netted a similar return. Before making assumptions, let’s examine who Dalton Prout is. He’s a 26-year old, 6’3” 230-pound defensive-defenseman. He played his junior hockey in the OHL and was drafted in the 6th round of the 2010 NHL-entry draft by the Blue Jackets. After 2-years with the Springfield Falcons (AHL) Prout started his NHL-career. Thus far, Prout has played 224 NHL games totaling 33 points (6G 27A) and a plus/minus of -7. On the defensive side of things, Prout has totaled 263 penalty-minutes, 484 hits, and 278 block shots. As you can see, from those defensive statistics, Prout is one of the league’s most physical defenseman. While a part of the Blue Jackets, Prout was known to be a very physical and stay-at-home type of defenseman who also kills penalties and wasn’t afraid to throw his body around and drop the mitts. Prout brings something to New Jersey they haven’t had in a long time, a tough physical presence on defense. Another point to make is with the upcoming expansion draft Prout will be one of the players Ray exposes, which helps in terms of protecting some others. We had differing opinions among our staff here at DAB, but in my opinion I think this was a great move by Ray Shero.
Grade: A-
It is very possible P.A. Parenteau’s value was hurt by his reported “upper-body” injury. –Getty Images
Deal #2: New Jersey trades Forward P.A. Parenteau to Nashville for a 2017 6th-Round Pick.
This one is where most Devils fans scratched their heads. At first I was astounded seeing a player who has racked up 27 points (13G, 14A) in 59 games get the same return that Steve Ott did. However, we got to keep in mind the recent injury news that was swirling around Parenteau. It was reported P.A. sustained an injury to his hand after blocking a shot in the Devils’ 4-3 OT loss to the Rangers. Leading up to the deadline this was a thing that could of hindered his trade-value. However, after being dealt today Parenteau was noted as saying he will only be missing about a week. If this is the case, I would’ve much rather Shero have kept P.A and used him to his advantage in the expansion draft or even bring him back next year at the minimum again. Considering Parenteau’s production and what other player’s of his ilk went for, it’s safe to say Ray Shero came away with under market value for P.A. If Parenteau perhaps misses an extended period of time then maybe we can give Shero the benefit of the doubt, but for now this was definitely a disappointing move.
Grade: D-
Shane Harper has made a living in the AHL thus far in his career. –Getty Images
Deal #3: New Jersey trades Defenseman Reece Scarlett to Florida for Forward Shane Harper.
The minor deal of the day wasn’t reported until after the 3:00 PM deadline and will not really have any major effect. For all those Albany followers out there, you know that Scarlett has been with Albany for 4-years and was a nice offensive-defenseman. Scarlett, in terms of an AHL-player, played good hockey while down in Albany and I was a little surprised that the Devils never gave Scarlett a shot with the big-league club. In return for him the Devils got Shane Harper, a forward with limited amount of NHL-experience. Harper played 14 games with Florida this year totaling 3 points (2G, 1A) and 18 penalty minutes. He coincidentally made his NHL-debut against the Devils on October 13, 2017. He is an AHL-type player who has played 340 AHL-games totaling 182 points. Shero was noted explaining how the Devils as an organization had a lot of defensive depth, not so much offensive, that prompted the defenseman for forward exchange. With this being said, I totally understand Ray’s reasoning, but I really wish they gave Scarlett a shot in the NHL after a strong-AHL career.
Grade: B-
Overall
In summary, it was a pretty boring day for the Devils. Many Devils fans may be shaking their heads and very frustrated which I do not totally disagree with. I want to stress the fact, however, that even though this draft class is said to be weak, there will be action come the draft. With 11 draft selections at Ray’s disposal do not be surprised if Devils are very active come June.
Overall Grade: C+