General manager Tom Fitzgerald called out the bottom-six forwards three weeks ago for their lack of production, and they haven’t picked it up since. The Devils (24-15-3) have lost four consecutive games — all in regulation — to start a six-game road trip. They have scored six goals in those four defeats.

The NHL trade deadline will be here sooner than you think, especially with a two-week break in the schedule for February’s 4 Nations Face-Off. With the Chicago Blackhawks dead last in the standings, general manager Kyle Davidson will likely spend more time over the next months evaluating draft prospects and taking calls leading up to the March 7 deadline.