NHL Trade Rumors: Blue Jackets to acquire Kyle Quincey from Devils

The Columbus Blue Jackets have added a depth defenseman, trading for Kyle Quincey of the New Jersey Devils. 

One of the biggest surprises of the 2016-17 NHL season has been the Columbus Blue Jackets. Expected to finish towards the bottom of the standings, they nearly set an NHL record for the longest winning streak. Columbus is currently in a playoff spot. To bolster their defensive depth, they’ve reportedly acquired Kyle Quincey from the New Jersey Devils for Dalton Prout.

Columbus improves their blue line, as Quincey has been quite solid this season for the Devils. He’s been a net positive in terms of possession, though he doesn’t add much in terms of offense. However, Quincey is certainly an upgrade over Prout, who has fallen out of favor in Columbus. He’s only appeared in 15 games this season and has often been a healthy scratch. Perhaps a change of scenery will do him well.

The Devils are taking a chance on Prout becoming a serviceable NHL defenseman. However, they would have been better off getting a draft pick. Though, considering Columbus still owes the Vancouver Canucks a draft pick for hiring John Tortorella, maybe they weren’t willing to give up one.

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This season, Quincey has 12 points in 51 games. He plays roughly 18 minutes a night and is capable of handling second pairing minutes. Columbus didn’t have the tools to get into an arms race with the Washington Capitals, but this is still a pretty solid addition. And it cost them virtually nothing. Quincey will be a free agent after this season. Depending on his price, he’s a guy who the Blue Jackets might want to bring back for next season. Quincey has spent time with the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Colorado Avalanche, as well as the Devils.