MERKLEY TO SJ

W

Now they have both Merkleys (or Merklei).

If it's Andy Strickland, he's been wrong a lot or at least telling half truths. I just don't see the Blues interested in this package. Losing Tarasenko is already a negative. Adding in Subban and that negative value sores higher

Since we have seen just about every other itereation of a Tarasenko-to-NJ deal here, was just trying to do something original.
(Subban is not really a negative...it was the $9 million cap hit)

chicago passes

Why is Subban negative value? He's a solid NHL blueliner. At worst, a third pair.

With his bonus paid, its only $2 million on cash to be paid & 4.5 AAV cap. There's value at that cost.

Merkley not going anywhere ... he is staying to haunt your dreams.

#NEWS: We have acquired defenseman Christian Jaros from San Jose in exchange for forward Nick Merkley.We have agreed to terms with Jaros on a one-year, two way contract. Welcome to Jersey! https://t.co/4DovzD38FM

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 26, 2021

Fitzy disagrees

Ohhhh Nooooo ... you did it! How much did you pay Fitz to make this happen???

Why Jaros??? Other than position, not a fan.

I would have preferred a pick

I can think of a few reasons why not in that Suter trade……

You get points for doing something different than everyone else, I just don't think the Blues would even sniff it.
Plus Subban is a giant negative. Both in the locker room and on the ice. Does great work outside of hockey with charity though so there's that.

Subban at best is a third pair nowadays especially when it comes to defense. Not to mention locker room issues.

He doesn't have locker room issues and he still is a surfaceable top 4 dman

He hasn't been top 4 in a couple years. And he does have locker room issues. Very selfish player who likes to make it about himself.

He was literally in the Devils top 4 and did just fine

And doesn't have locker room issues anymore. All of the young players on the Devils love PK. He's a great leader now

None of this is true. None.

He is considered part of the leadership group in NJ.
Many people hate him because he is a big personality and makes $9m a year.
And frankly, a lot is also race-related.
There have been no "locker room issues" in New Jersey.
And he was quite good this year.

Would recommend ignoring Subban-haters and listen to people that watch the Devils game-in and game-out.

If they aren't qualifying Suter, why would they not?
(and I know Boqvist is gone)

I've been watching him since his days in Montreal. He's not good defensively, he used to be really good offensively and isn't anymore. There's also a reason both Montreal and Nashville wanted him out of there. Nothing wrong with a big personality as long as it doesn't become about you. In his case, everything became about him especially after the Norris.
And no, not "a lot" of the hate comes from racism. That's a cop out. He really isn't that good. If he has any leadership it's because he's 32 and one of the oldest on the team, not because of his leadership skills which he's never demonstrated.

Devils fans have heard this same shtick 1000 times, but it does not match what we have seen in New Jersey.
Its unbelievably naive.
And considering he was a Norris finalist the year before we brought him here, I cannot imagine it is what 'hockey people' saw in Nashville.

He is still a fine top-4 player.

Nashville wanted him out because of his 9M salary

How many Devils games have you watched this year, just curious?

Don't have an exact number in my head, but around 35 give or take.

I call BS.
If that were remotely true, you would not be saying the things that you are saying.

More than I expected but your evaluation of Subban is poor.

Subban had 19 points in 44 games this season and QB the 2nd PP. Subban is still good offensively.

He has taken a few steps defensively but still provides defensive help. Subban is on the PK and plays big minutes. Definitely not a liability

If Subban was a locker room cancer, he would be no where near the leadership group and wouldn't wear the 'A'. Subban isn't on the leadership team because of his age. If that is the case, then Johnsson and Butcher would be part of the leadership group while players like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier wouldn't be in the leadership group.