Making trades is always risky business in sports. Moves made in the middle of a season always bring an extra element of risk. Bringing a player in from a team he already has chemistry with can always mess up that player’s workflow. The New Jersey Devils took that risk when they traded a second-round pick and Yegor Rykov for Michael Grabner.
On paper, Grabner makes perfect sense for the Devils, even as a rental. He’s super fast, and can go stride for stride with Miles Wood. He can break past a defense, and make his own chances. Grabner brings a certain skill set you don’t find with other players.