The New Jersey Devils have completed a trade with the Ottawa Senators, acquiring winger Zack MacEwen in exchange for Kurtis MacDermid. This move marks a strategic shift for both teams, emphasizing physicality and financial considerations.
Zack MacEwen, 29, stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 227 pounds. He is entering the final season of a three-year contract with a $775,000 average annual value (AAV). Since signing with the Senators before the 2023-24 season, MacEwen has participated in 51 games, contributing four goals and six points, while also racking up 78 penalty minutes and delivering 104 hits. Despite a strong physical presence, MacEwen faced challenges in securing a roster spot with Ottawa as the 2025-26 season approached. His move to the Devils offers him a fresh opportunity to contribute at the NHL level rather than face the possibility of being assigned to the AHL’s Belleville Senators.
The Devils’ decision to trade MacDermid for MacEwen appears rooted in financial strategy. While both players are known for their physical play, MacDermid is often viewed as a more imposing force on the ice. The key difference lies in their contracts: MacDermid is under a $1.15 million cap hit for one more season, whereas MacEwen’s contract is less financially burdensome. This swap not only saves the Devils some cap space but also allows them to maintain a similar level of physicality in their lineup, especially after recently committing $9 million in cap space to defenseman Luke Hughes.
On the flip side, the Senators have opted to take on the higher cap hit associated with MacDermid, who has been a consistent NHL player since the 2019-20 season, without any AHL appearances during that time. This decision aligns with the Senators’ ongoing focus on enhancing their toughness. Following a recent preseason matchup with the Montreal Canadiens, where physicality was a significant theme, the Senators have faced scrutiny regarding their toughness. This trade signals a proactive approach to bolster their roster ahead of a challenging divisional schedule for the 2025-26 season.
Both teams see this trade as an opportunity to improve. With MacEwen, the Devils have someone who can fill a crucial role while managing financial flexibility, while the Senators have acquired MacDermid to bolster their physical presence as they eye a competitive divisional race.