Elias Lindholm and prospect Libor Hajek go the other way. Lindholm and his 4 million dollar contract became expendable with the emergence of rookie sensation Dylan Cozens. Cozens, 19, took the 2nd line center position with authority from Lindholm. Cozens has 26 points in 31 games as a rookie. Lindholm had just 12 points in 31 games, but was a +7 and was playing a good defensive game.

In Morgan Rielly, the Devils get a top 4 defenseman in his prime, who has more to give. 

Rielly spent years in Carolina where he routinely hit double digits in goals, but never hit elite point totals. "We've been targeting Morgan for a while. Sometimes a trade just makes too much sense," said the Devils GM. 

After a 6-4 win over Pittsburgh today, the Devils have 2 days off before heading to Vegas to take on the expansion Knights. The timing of the deal works perfectly, as Rielly will meet the team in Vegas and get in at least one full practice. He's expected to be paired with Noah Dobson in what could be a top pairing for years to come.