New Jersey Devils Nearing Trade of Ondrej Palat: Salary Cap Space and Leadership in Focus
The New Jersey Devils are reportedly close to trading veteran winger Ondrej Palat. Palat was held out of the game against Winnipeg for roster management reasons, and there have been ongoing discussions about trading him and defenseman Dougie Hamilton to clear salary cap space. Palat has one season left on his contract with a $6 million cap hit. General manager Tom Fitzgerald emphasized that both players are respected and will be treated as such. Palat, a Stanley Cup winner with Tampa Bay, has struggled to produce with the Devils but could provide leadership to the team. He is set to represent Czechia at the upcoming Olympics in Milan Cortina.