The New Jersey Devils’ search for a major trade addition is intensifying in December. Their early-season surge has been followed by a difficult stretch driven largely by injuries, including the extended absence of superstar Jack Hughes.After starting 13-4-1, New Jersey has slipped to 16-11-1, battling inconsistency and a tightening Metropolitan Division race. They are scoring 2.89 goals per game while allowing 3.04, and despite strong special-teams play, the need for roster reinforcement has become increasingly clear.According to NHL insider David Pagnotta on NHL Now, the Devils are not just browsing the market; they are "lurking, looking for big fish." Pagnotta said New Jersey began exploring options even before Hughes’ injury, seeking players with "jam" who can play a multifaceted game.The Devils have already been linked to several marquee names. Steven Stamkos, long speculated to be on their radar, would require Nashville to retain a significant portion of his $8 million cap hit. Pagnotta believes Stamkos is willing to waive his no-movement clause for a true contender, and the Devils fit that mold.Nashville center Ryan O’Reilly has also emerged as a target, bringing leadership, playoff pedigree, and elite two-way capability. Brayden Schenn, who is signed on an 8-year, $52,000,000 contract with the St. Louis Blues, offers physicality, scoring, and versatility."I do believe there's some internal, at the very least, interest in guys like Stamkos and guys like, so also out of out of Nashville, Ryan O'Reilly as well," Pagnotta said. "I anticipate this team and Tom Fitzgerald looking around to see what options in that regard are going to be available."And I'll throw Brayden Schenn out there as well out of St. Louis, and also just try to figure out what the price tags are and what they may potentially be."Pagnotta added another name to New Jersey's watchlist; a reunion with former Devil Blake Coleman could be explored if Calgary’s season trends downward."The devil is certainly looking around, lurking, seeing what big fish may be available, but at the same time, a former Devils like Blake Coleman in Calgary could be a fit later on too." Pagnotta said.Reason behind Quinn Hughes getting linked to New Jersey DevilsThe biggest speculative name, though more fantasy than confirmed pursuit, remains Quinn Hughes, whose connection stems from his brothers Jack and Luke anchoring New Jersey’s core. Hughes' desire to play with his brothers, and Vancouver’s struggles with a 10-15-3 record have fueled the narrative, although no formal talks have been reported.The Devils have six players currently injured, with five of them on injured reserve, impacting their season. With Tom Fitzgerald aggressive and the team seeking reinforcements to stabilize their season, New Jersey appears poised to chase the trade market as they hunt for a true impact addition.