Severson would be the most valued asset for a good return, maybe Butcher. Backend doesn't look great without Severson so I guess I Butcher (Smith could replace him..)?

Smith def makes the team this year. Which I would think makes Butcher expendable. Just don’t know who or what the return would be, or package.

I think Smith makes the team and the Vatanen signing pushes Kulikov to the 7th D and Carrick to the taxi squad. I'm moreso concerned with what happens to the powerplay. Vatanen is only really that good on the PP but Butcher, Smith, PK and Severson were the ones that I thought would be in those spots since it seems Lindy is running 2 defenseman on the PP. Maybe the Devils signed him bc one is being moved (possibly in a Laine deal) but I don't know if they have the appetite for what that would cost.

Interesting outlook. I’d love Laine on nah, but not sure it would truly be worth the asking price

Wondering if Fitz and Co. Don't like what they see in camp and needed to get a vet.
Nothing there on the backend is a first or second piece for Laine (save Smitty)