Out of the box NJD trade

This deal is bad for the hawks. Kubalik is gonna be cheap the next few years and that is exactly the kind of player we need around Toews/Kane/Kieth/Seabrook's big contracts. Kubalik should be just about untouchable at this point, a mid to late 1st isn't enough to consider moving him. We made the mistake of moving Panarin too early, and while Kubalik isn't the same kind of player, we should not make the mistake of moving him too early/for not enough return like we did with the bread man. Panarin would have kept our championship window open, moving him slammed it shut. Kubalik is going to be a big piece to the puzzle moving forward of building the next contender

Well, gotta say, it is an interesting idea. I don’t hate it, even though I do like kubalik. The only point of discussion that I would put forth is: would a trade like this essentially signal that our window is closed? Kuba clearly does help the team now. Does he put us over the top? Maybe too soon to tell. However, if we got the extra pick and used one on askarov, that solves a HUGE problem that needs addressing for the future.

I know I got the moniker of “glass half empty” fan, but I still think, as it stands, this team isn’t a playoff team even next year. There’s too many variables in this team that work against us. The young defense still isn’t ready to take over, Crawford is always a question mark considering his personal life and vertigo, and for all our offensive talent, it doesn’t seem to be harnessed the right way with JC’s system.

I like the idea though. I do like kuba and might turn away from the trade, but it starts a great discussion if people can be unbiased and impartial about it. Askarov would solve a very important question at goaltender.

If we won the lottery and drafted Laf, this would be a good move.

I question if we are getting enough back though, this pick is probably around 20, could we grab the goalie that late? Probably not. If we could pick up Laf and Askarov up in the draft this season it could be big.

@Wadejos123 Great thoughts. I'm not a huge fan of this, BUT maybe it's the AZ pick? Maybe it's another piece coming back? I'd like to hear what NJ fans think. I'm also a little concerned about just how "Cost Controlled" he really is. Certainly for this year with soo many teams having cap issues, I'm not worried in the slightest about an offer sheet. So for at least this year he will be cost controlled. If he signs a 1 year deal, then all bets are off. If he scores 40 goals...Then he'll be looking for Debrincat money for sure and I'm not so sure they can give it to him. Although I could agree with the response....then that's when we should consider something like this. Flat cap is flat cap. Kubalik at some point will want to make his money.

@HatterTParty Thanks. I think NJ really needs a winger and some defensive toughness. If the Hawks could get Askarov he would indeed solve a lot of future problems. I think the Hawks are closer to playoff contenders, but I'm also someone that thinks Toews/Kane can still play at this level in ~3 years when Askarov might/maybe/possibly/hopefully make his debut.

@Stan_Bowman good question and if we won the lottery...great problems to have indeed. Laf would be amazing on this team.

***EDIT*** Just think about how much I can pump up Stan as a good GM when he trades a 5th rounder for a Calder finalist...and then gets a 1st...maybe even AZ's 1st back!!!

I like Kubalik but I don't think the Devils should pay a first for him right now.