One of my favorite transactions this off-season is Tyler Toffoli’s trade to the New Jersey Devils with one year left at $4.25M. Toffoli has been a reliable two-way forward since coming out of the OHL, where he dominated offensively, having won the goal scoring title in back-to-back years in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. In 2013-2014, Toffoli put up 14 points in 26 playoff games, along with 2 GWGs during the Kings’ Cup run. Toffoli brings experience and veteran leadership to a group of young superstars who were ousted in the 2nd round of the playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes. He is coming off of a fringe superstar season where he averaged .89 PPG while leading the Calgary Flames in points with 73. According to Evolving Hockey, Toffoli posted a GAR of 21.1 indicating an on-ice value, according to their model of $18.08M. 

Toffoli is adding size, veteran leadership, and scoring to a young Devils team that is already loaded with talent. With Toffoli slotting into their top 6, he has immense potential for production in the offensive and defensive zones. Based on his recent trajectory, and the skill around him it is realistic to expect that he could set a career high in points and be a substantial postseason contributor. The acquisition should continue to elevate New Jersey into the upper-echelon of the Metropolitan division.