NHL Trade Rumors: New Jersey Devils open to trading Lee Stempniak

The New Jersey Devils face a very tough decision with forward Lee Stempniak as they find themselves in the midst of a playoff race

The New Jersey Devils were not expected to be in the playoff hunt in February. They were expected to be among the league’s worst teams, but have exceeded expectations and find themselves in the middle of a very tough race for one of the Eastern Conference’s two wildcard spots.

A huge reason for their success has been the play of forward Lee Stempniak. New Jersey will face a very tough decision in the next few weeks: should they trade Stempniak who will be a free agent after this season? Stempniak has played for eight teams in his career and would like to stay in New Jersey.

“I would like to stay, but I have no idea what’s going to happen,” Stempniak said, via NJ.com. “A lot can happen in the standings over the next month and you never know what direction Ray (Shero) is going to take with the team.”

Lee Stempniak has 15 goals and 23 assists for the Devils this season. The Devils forward could join his ninth team in his 12th season and possibly his 10th if he is traded and signs with another team in the off-season. Stempniak would love to have some stability, something that he hasn’t had during his career.

Stempniak would help a number of contenders because he provides scoring depth and fits in nicely on any of the four forward lines. He might not be an ideal first or second line wing, but he has proven that he can fill in capably.