Boston isn't giving up their two top prospects + a 1st. To dump Backes would likely cost a 2nd round pick (no its not the same situation as Marleau and isn't a good comp).

Boston's best two prospects and a first for that ? I don't think they're doing that. Maybe , and a big maybe Boston would move 1 prospect and the first for KPalm

That Bruins trade is cuckoo time.

I think the Bruins trade is fine. Backes will cost a first. Vaakanainen and Studnicka for Palmieri + 4th seems reasonable.

But there are probably a half-dozen better trading partners suited for a Palmieri deal (higher 1st rounders, better prospects). CAR, EDM, NYI, COL...

That's exactly what I was thinking when I was making the trade. But what other packages do you think might be available?

Boston and Montreal decline but the other trades seem reasonable.

Just spit-balling here...some names below mixed with pick.

NYI- Wahlstrom
EDM- Bouchard
COL- Timmins or Kaut
DAL- Harley, Damiani or Dellandrea
CBJ- Marchenko
FLA- Borgstrom, Heponiemi
STL- Kostin
MIN- ??
AZ-??

Bouchard and a 2020 1st for Palms?

Yeah, I figured the Montreal trade was a long shot.

I think that would be fair if NJD took back some salary...say, Manning, Gagner...and retained a few bucks on Palms.

EDIT: But, more realistic would be Bouchard, 2nd or 3rd, cap dump and lesser prospect

Bouchard, 2020 2nd, Russell, and Raphaël Lavoie?

That would be great for NJD...lesser prospect more likely a Maksimov or lesser.

Also, Phil Kemp maybe (Kemp is from same HS and College as John Hayden and is likely to go 4-yrs in college and could become college free agent...).