Devils sit Toffoli for trade-related reasons

It appears the New Jersey Devils have changed course regarding Tyler Toffoli.

Two days after general manager Tom Fitzgerald said he wasn't shopping Toffoli, the veteran winger sat out of Thursday's game against the St. Louis Blues for precautionary trade-related reasons.

Toffoli is a pending unrestricted free agent carrying a $4.25-million cap hit. The Devils acquired him in the summer with the hopes of making a deep playoff run, but they've taken a step back this season. They sit eight points out of a playoff spot entering Thursday's slate.

The 31-year-old has continued to be an offensive threat despite New Jersey's disappointing campaign. Toffoli has produced 26 goals and 18 assists in 61 games this season.

Getting traded midseason wouldn't be new to Toffoli, who excelled as a deadline pickup for the Vancouver Canucks in 2020 and the Calgary Flames in 2022. He's suited up in 88 career playoff games and won the 2014 Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings.