Jets get Tyler Toffoli from Devils for picks

Tyler Toffoli is on the move -- again.

The Winnipeg Jets acquired the veteran forward from the New Jersey Devilson Friday for a third-round draft pick in 2024 and a second-rounder in 2025.New Jersey retained 50% of Toffoli's salary in the deal.

The Jets will be Toffoli's sixth team in the past five seasons, and the transaction marks the fourth time he's been traded over the previous four years.

"You gotta be prepared for anything that can happen," Toffoli told TSN after the trade. "Obviously with this going down today, it's just another step along the journey. It's an exciting time being able to join a really good team. They're playing really well. They have a lot of the pieces so hopefully we can make a push."

The Jets were also able to trade for Devils defenseman Colin Miller within the final half hour of the deadline. The return for Miller is a fourth-round pick in 2026.

The 31-year-old Toffoli is exactly the type of player Winnipeg needs now. He is a pure goal scorer who can slot into the Jets' top six. He excels off the rush -- a major point of emphasis in Winnipeg's system -- while offering consistent production and plenty of minutes in a Jets lineup hoping to stay legitimate contenders in the Western Conference playoff race. He's also capable of boosting the power play, which is a weakness for the team and is ranked 24th in the league.

He also has playoff chops, having won two Stanley Cups with his original team, the Kings.

Toffoli's efforts in New Jersey -- including 26 goals and 44 points in 61 games -- since he was traded there from Calgary over the summer haven't had the desired impact given the Devils' overall struggles. New Jersey recently fired coach Lindy Ruff (who was replaced by Travis Green) as their already-meager playoff hopes took repeated hits, and GM Tom Fitzgerald had admitted he would listen to offers on Toffoli ahead of the trade deadline.

Toffoli is a pending UFA when his four-year, $17 million contract expires.

In letting Toffoli go, the Devils pick up two more draft selections to use on young talent or as trade chips later on. New Jersey is just one season removed from reaching the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, and although it's unlikely the team can get back in the postseason mix this season, the Devils won't want to waste any time before boosting their chances of getting back there in 2024-25.

Miller, who will be joining his sixth NHL franchise, had four goals and eight points while averaging a little less than 16 minutes per game in what proved to be his only season with the Devils. His arrival provides the Jets with a right-handed shot they could potentially use on their third pairing, who also give them someone with 40 games of postseason experience.

"Another right-hand shot, a big shot from the point," Bowness said after the Jets morning skate. "He's had a lot of playoff experience and we're looking for another right-handed D. He's a key acquisition as well. He'll play an important part of our team moving forward as well. I've heard good things about his character as well."