That 3rd line becomes more or less useless without Hyman. They are not being used to play a checking role, they are not going to score. That should be addressed.

Top-6 wing to push Hyman to 3rd.
Versatile D-man to play 6/7 role.

I agree with that and add a goalie that can stop a puck

One of each (A, B, C)
A: Palmieri (50% at $2.325 million)
B: Murray (50% at $2.3 million), Kulikov ($1.15 million) or Vatanen ($2 million)
C: Dell ($800k) or Wedgewood ($700k)

for

One of each (W, X, Y, Z)
W: 2021 1st, 2022 1st, Sandin
X: Robertson, Amirov
Y: Liljegren, Niemela, Abruzzese, Koster, Joey Anderson, Hallander, Abramov
Z: Engvall, Dermott, Andersen

There isn't unlimited capspace though. I really doubt all 3 areas are addressed.

Hard pass here.

Yeah, seemed like a lot after I posted. Probably 3 of the 4.
Something like..

One of each (A, B, C)
A: Palmieri (50% at $2.325 million)
B: Murray (50% at $2.3 million), Kulikov ($1.15 million) or Vatanen ($2 million)
C: Dell ($800k) or Wedgewood ($700k)

for

One of each (X, Y, Z)
X: 2021 1st, 2022 1st, Robertson, Amirov
Y: Liljegren, Niemela
Z: Engvall, Dermott, Andersen, any salary move

I don't think even the leafs know what they want/have to do about goaltending issue as of now, so let's remove that for now.

What is Kulikov worth on his own?

What recent trade is best comparable for Palmieri's value? Maybe Toffoli last year? He's not having a great year (at least in terms of production). And rumours are out there that it's a buyers market (not as many bidding wars).

Based on Toffoli - 2nd, Liljegren/Niemela would be the base IMO.

This is better than your first one

Kulikov - probably 2nd (or 3rd + 4th). I feel like we see defensive d-man go for 2nd rounders straight up every year (ie, Dillon, Greene, Sandella in 2020).

Palmieri - Liljegren or Niemela + 2nd sounds reasonable. I think it takes a bit more (like adding late conditional pick to that) but not much. If Isles or Pens get aggressive, might end up taking Liljegren/Niemela and 1st. I don’t think 2020 Tofoli is the right comp. Palmieri has longer track record of scoring and better defensive winger. Others have tried to use Gustav Nyquist deadline deal, but Palmieri has long put up better numbers on worse teams. Others I have seen used is Evander Kane, Kevin Hayes, JG Pageau. None are perfect.

I would think Devils retain as much salary as they can. And take back salary if needed.