It appears Ondrej Palat’s days as a New Jersey Devil are coming to an end. The team announced Tuesday Palat would be scratched for their game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Palat, 34, is signed through next season at $6 million AAV, and this season owns a 10-team trade list of teams he approves being dealt to. Palat has appeared in 51 games this season, scoring four goals and adding six assists, for 10 points. Palat is having a down season obviously, while averaging 12:44 of ice-time per night under head coach Sheldon Keefe. Palat scored 15 goals in 77 games last season and was play over a minute more.

It’s likely a Stanley Cup contender who is going to acquire Palat as his 155 games of Stanley Cup Playoff experience make him an interest option for a team’s bottom six, especially if the Devils retain up to 50% of his contract. It may be their best way to land a significant piece in return. 

Palat’s scored 51 goals and 103 points throughout his playoff experience and is a heady enough player to understand his assignment. Could a return to Tampa Bay be coming? Detroit? San Jose a dark horse?

New Jersey is 5-5-0 in their last 10 games and host the Jets sitting seven points out of a playoff spot in a very tight Eastern Conference.

Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images