Devils Rumors: Martin Havlat A Healthy Scratch On Saturday, Expected To Be Traded Before Deadline

The New Jersey Devils expect to move Czech left winger Martin Havlat before Monday's NHL trade deadline, as evidenced by his absence from the team's lineup for Saturday night's road game at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Here's CBS Sports' Chris Peters with the report:

The New Jersey Devils will make veteran forward Martin Havlat a healthy scratch on Saturday. He is expected to be moved before the trade deadline, and like the Edmonton Oilers with defenseman Jeff Petry, there is no sense in risking an injury that could impact a trade.

Several reports have surface in the past several days that indicate the Devils are actively shopping the veteran forward on the trade market, and such a move would fall in line with GM Lou Lamoriello's recent track record.

Lamoriello already dealt future Hall of Famer and 21-year NHL veteran Jaromir Jagr last week, and appears willing to ship off other pieces such as Havlat and right winger Michael Ryder before Monday's deadline.

Stay tuned.

Follow our New Jersey Devils team page for the latest Devils rumors!