Calgary 2024-25 Opening Night

Just about the trade:

Back around the deadline, there were too many rumors to suss out what was really the full 100% truth. But whatever, it seems to have been centered around Markstrom and Holtz, with potentially a 1st being involved. In this case, it is Markstrom, along with Kuzmenko (50% retained) to replace Holtz, and reliable 4th liner Dryden Hunt (who can at least not suck if asked to play higher for a bit due to injuries) in exchange for Holtz, the 1st, and project G Akira Schmid to play in the AHL.

A line of Bratt - Hughes - Kuzmenko could produce significant results...

For the Flames, guys like Backlund, Coleman and Kadri are really just veteran elements to teach the next generation of Flames players. It will be useful to keep them around for a bit longer to rub off on guys like Holtz, Coronato, Pelletier etc.

Devils don’t consider that.

Perhaps make it a 2025 1st, which is probably going to be later in the round than this year's.. Also, would you mind elaborating? Given what was about to transpire around the deadline, I don't think this is too far off. Schmid is not likely to become anything special, but Kuzmenko can still put up some good offensive numbers with the right guys and in the right system, or at least with a coach that is fine with his defensive shortcomings.

It's two years for high-end assets that can be part of a core that are cap friendly. The Devils window shouldn't be limited to these two years.

Edit: And just one season for Kuz. Not really smart for NJD.

NJD never put holtz+1st on the table for an unretained Markstrom.

Wouldn’t pay more than a 3rd (or Schmid) for Kuzmenko at 50%.

And since those discussions:

Markstrom has played 8 games with a 0.878 save%, negative GSAx, and 3.5 GAA (dog****)
Markstrom has burned his most valuable year after the trade deadline passed.
Markstrom has gotten injured.

If you retain 50% on Markstrom, MAYBE, MAYBE NJD would do Markstrom 50%+Kuzmenko 50% for NJD 2024 1st.