Devils Top Pairing Defenseman Sent Packing 2018-11-01 It's a new era in New Jersey, and that's never been more apparent. Amidst a storm of trade rumors over the past 6 months: Marc Edouard Vlasic patiently awaited his fait. On Tuesday afternoon, the start Defender was traded in a deal with the St. Louis Blues. To NJD: 2019 STL 1st , 2019 STL 4th, Jake Oettinger, David Farrance, and $1 Million. - To STL: Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Mike McMurty, Thomas Di Pauli Vlasic’s departure leaves another glaring hole, both on Defense, and in the Locker Room. It has been an off-season filled with goodbyes for the New Jersey Devils. Expectations for the 2018-2019 EHE season are at all all-time low as the teams Management oversees a complete rebuild. The Devils are taking their chances by acquiring a second 2019 1st round pick from the powerhouse Central Division, prior to the start of the 2018-2019 season. In acquiring Jake Oettinger, New Jersey adds a highly touted 6ft4 prospect with the size, technical skills, pedigree, and upside to be a starting Goaltender. Between Oettinger, and Colton Point, the Devils now own two quality Goaltending prospects, further increasing their chances of having a legitimate future #1. David Farrance is another B.U. product who is off to a hot start, leading his team with 4 assists in 4 games. Farrance is a phenomenal skater with puck-moving ability and offensive acumen. David`s overall game is still raw, it remains a work in progress, and he is likely still years away. The 2019 4th round pick (also acquired in the deal) rounds out the Devils` inventory of 2019 picks, giving them two in the 1st round, and at least one in each of the following 4 (1st,1st,2nd,3rd,4th,5th,5th). The team is certainly putting a great level of confidence in their scouting department. Thomas Di Pauli and Mike McMurty carried AHL contracts and were destined for the press box in Springfield. The two skaters were included in an effort to shed unwanted contracts and clear additional space for upcoming prospects and UFA's. The Blues on the other hand, continue their outstanding offseason by acquiring a steady, experienced, first-pairing defenseman. Much like the Blackhawks in the Schnieder deal, the Blues did not mortgage any assets from their current roster. St. Louis already has stud Goaltending prospect Carter Hart in the wings. The Blues also already own an LAK 2019 1st to supplement the loss of their own 2019’1st. General Manager Shaun Stephens has done a terrific job, and has to be pleased with his work this offseason. As for the Devils; It's clear Bates was intent on tearing the Devils down from the moment he took the reins as the teams General Manager. New Jersey is in line to hit rock bottom as part of a bigger plan, to build steadily from the ground up, before attaining the prosperity it's franchise desires. The trade is widely assumed to be New Jersey's final move, heading into what expects to be a very long 2018-2019 EHE season. And with that, we bid farewell to a beloved player, who has been a foot soldier for the New Jersey Devils organization. Best of luck, Marc.
