Three NHL teams that should go all-in based on early results

2. Devils should be ruthless to prevent wasting another year of centers Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. 

The New Jersey Devils' era with centers Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier is starting to resemble the Pittsburgh Penguins before Mike Sullivan came — always questioning, "Is this it?" 

The Devils (8-1) are so exciting that it’s hard to believe this version of the team has only one playoff series win. New Jersey's front office has been cautious in the past about making deals, missing out on acquiring a goalie two years ago as the season unraveled and skipping a major splash move with Hughes last season. The Devils need to think bigger — consider that Hughes might miss some time due to injury. If a top-six center becomes available, they should go out and make the move.

Current third-line center Cody Glass, regardless of how well he is playing, is not a substitute for Hughes. Similarly, if a top goalie is available on the trade market, go for it. 

Goalies Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen are both 35 and nearing the end of their careers. The Devils have started the season with eight wins in nine games because they are talented, but the best teams often buy insurance policies. 

3. Carolina attempted to land an ace — first with Jake Guentzel and then Mikko Rantanen. They failed to keep either player, but must try again.

Don't let the start of the season fool you — the Carolina Hurricanes' style of play, coaching and talent level usually lead to a strong regular season. Winning six of their first eight games is an encouraging sign, and they are likely the favorites to win the Metropolitan Division. However, the Canes remain incomplete until they acquire an elite forward. They tried last year with Rantanen, only to discover that the pending free agent had no interest in staying in Carolina. 

Top-six winger Andrei Svechnikov is off to a very slow start with no points in his first eight games, including a demotion to the fourth line. It's too soon to tell if a true scoring superstar will emerge, but Carolina needs to improve down the middle. If a struggling team like Calgary convinces center Nazem Kadri to accept a trade, the Hurricanes should probably be the first to call.