Definitely will be a cup contender. I think that the Avs, Canes or Bruins may make a substantial offer.

i share the same mindset. Bruins could make a real offer, i just dont know if they have the cap room to do it.

Here's a bonus question: Who will be the first to go, Hall or Hynes?

If the Devils are still at the bottom of the league standings in late November, I fully expect Shero will make a coaching change. Hynes is actually one of the longest tenured coaches in the league despite missing the playoffs in all but one season. He's overseen the rebuild thus far, but the organization may need to make a change behind the bench to bring the team together. They look very disorganized in all 3 zones. It doesn't look as if the team is buying into the system. I don't think he'll survive the season.

Maybe a Hynes for Babcock trade could be made.....Leafs would have to retain.

How much will it cost? I think Shero will def. want a skilled roster player in return.

I'm thinking whoever acquires him will need assurance that he'll sign an extension. They'll need the $11M AAV in cap space so sorry Leafs fans. I don't think you can spend $66M on forwards. I think Montreal is a possibility. Maybe Drouin plus a 1st. Perhaps EDM gives up Bouchard and sends Larsson back where he started.

As a lifelong Devils fan, I'm not really entirely convinced that signing Hall to an 8 year $11M+ AAV extension is actually in the best long term interest of the team. Are they better of long term with Hall or w/o Hall?

Realistically, it could take a couple more years before their young core is ready for prime time. They could be better off drafting a couple more high picks and stockpiling a couple prospects or young roster players. They'll have loads of cap space if they do trade Hall and the future will be bright regardless. Their depth at Center is particularly strong, but they need to add a couple big, tough, physical Defensemen to balance out their team. They've been dominated in front of their own net on 2nd and 3rd chances.

How much will it cost? I think Shero will def. want a skilled roster player in return.

I'm thinking whoever acquires him will need assurance that he'll sign an extension. They'll need the $11M AAV in cap space so sorry Leafs fans. I don't think you can spend $66M on forwards. I think Montreal is a possibility. Maybe Drouin plus a 1st. Perhaps EDM gives up Bouchard and sends Larsson back where he started.

As a lifelong Devils fan, I'm not really entirely convinced that signing Hall to an 8 year $11M+ AAV extension is actually in the best long term interest of the team. Are they better of long term with Hall or w/o Hall?

Realistically, it could take a couple more years before their young core is ready for prime time. They could be better off drafting a couple more high picks and stockpiling a couple prospects or young roster players. They'll have loads of cap space if they do trade Hall and the future will be bright regardless. Their depth at Center is particularly strong, but they need to add a couple big, tough, physical Defense man to balance out their team. They've been dominated in front of their own net on 2nd and 3rd chances.