NJD final off-season trade

Condon still gets claimed on waivers by Colorado, San Jose, or Columbus, though?

Possibly, but the Devils would still get some value from taking his cap hit from TB. Plus with how Condon crashed out of the league last year and his cap hit I don't think many teams would be interested in him.

Columbus' backup goalie played last year in the Swiss A league, and put up stats that would be average in the NHL if they don't drop off at all, what with the new language, new rink shape, new team, and new rules.

Colorado's backup goalie has an awesome save percentage in both of his NHL games played.

Each team's starter played less than forty games last year, backing up Bobrovsky and Varlamov, respectively.

This is pretty clever. It's possible Tampa considers it, just to get Point signed, already. But it's also possible they're talking about trading Condon for a 7th to either of the above.

I'd love to get your opinion on a Zacha trade I just posted? https://www.capfriendly.com/forums/thread/267358&post_id=1067604

Personally I don't want the Devils to trade Zacha. I see Zacha as a perfect replacement for Zajac in the near future; center with some size, defensive acumen, can play a shutdown role, PK, and a great 3C behind Hughes and Hischier. Also I am hoping that Zacha gets a chance at LW with Hughes, maybe on the PP, as I think Hughes/ Zacha could be a great line with their mix of size, speed, and offensive/ defensive abilities.

Djoos is not bad, but the only trade I would include Zacha in right now would be for a proven top 2 LHD-man, even if the Devils had to add.

Also I do think Zacha will sign, but it might be late like Wood last year.

Thanks so much! I agree Zacha could be a dynamite 3C in a couple years. And I agree the Devils could use a long-term top pair left defenseman. I'm not sure that McLeod won't also be a good 3C in a couple years, though.

Other Caps fans have vetoed every suggestion I've made that involved trading Kempny or Orlov for forward depth, even when there's a huge overpayment coming back to Washington. I think I suggested Orlov for Zacha, Bratt, and Butcher. No one on either side liked that. Sports fans tend to know our own favorite teams' players best, I guess.

You could get Forbort from LA for less than Zacha, but he's two and a half years older than Djoos and earns twice the salary, for basically the same on-ice performance (Djoos was on pace last year for Forbort's career high of 18 points, all at evens, each. Forbs was minus a baker's dozen last year. Djoos was +9). And nobody can say star UFA Dionne Phaneuf never played top pair. Or Karl Alzner, whom Montreal would be happy to give you, straight up, for basically anything. Or nothing. They'd give you Alzner for nothing, and it might be a great deal... there's just so much term left at 5M that you probably shouldn't risk finding out.

Zacha could be the 3C you need in two years. Djoos could be the top pair LHD you need now. You have other options for each spot, but most teams build from the net out, valuing their main defensemen ahead of centers. Still, the Caps have limited time to figure out how to get their roster under the cap, and NJ could probably bellyache their way into getting a 4th pick thrown in, if Zacha actually signs at 1M. If he's holding out all year, Djoos alone is the overpayment.

But if you're looking for a youngish guy with a little experience who still has some up-side, Djoos just turned 25, and played on a pace for 18 points in limited minutes last year. He should be as good as Forbort already, and keep improving.