The New Jersey Devils are reportedly making significant progress toward a trade for veteran forward Ondrej Palat, per Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic.
According to LeBrun, the sense within the league is that the Devils feel they are getting closer to finalizing a deal for the Tampa Bay Lightning star. Palat has been a fixture in the Lightning's lineup for years, contributing heavily to their recent championship runs. His arrival in New Jersey would provide a major veteran presence and top-six scoring punch for a young roster looking to take the next step in the Metropolitan Division.
While the Devils appear to be the current frontrunners to land the forward, the New York Islanders have also been mentioned as a potential landing spot. LeBrun noted that the Islanders remain a team to watch in these negotiations due to the professional connection between Mathieu Darche and Palat from their shared tenure in the Tampa Bay organization.
No official terms have been announced, and it remains to be seen what the Lightning would receive in return for the veteran winger as they navigate salary cap constraints. Discussions are reportedly ongoing between the involved parties.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
