Lehner+Roy probably won't cost that much because Vegas has limited leverage.

Maybe things change but trading that much for an expiring UFA on defense who doesn't line up with the timeline of Hughes and Hischier would fly in the face of absolutely everything Tom has said

bratt line 1

If Lehner is traded, Vegas will have cap for Roy

the Devils have way too many average prospects. best to try and contend now with Hamilton's prime and Holtz/Mercer/Luke Hughes on ELCs before they combine to cost like 20 mil or something

That's fine, but neither of these make sense in that context either. If we're trading our first round pick to Minnesota, it'll be Fiala most likely.

If we're trading it for a defenseman, its Chychrun most likely, right?

I'm not opposed to the concept. Just think the execution here is far below optimal.

why would you ever get a LD? There is a huge backup and even if u play smith on the right side. you still got like 6+ LD

Because NHL players, particularly very good ones like Hamilton, Severson, and Chychrun, can play wherever they need to

Siegs - Hamilton
Chych - Severson
Graves - literally whoever.

If you're moving a 5th overall pick, it better be for the best player possible. Especially something as nickel-and-dimey as "well now you have too many mediocre LD"

okay so where do Hughes, Smith, Mukhamadullin, Vukojevic, Bahl and Okhotiuk play? Now I get maybe the Mukhamadullin and Vukojevic dont play in the NHL next year, but what about the other 4? Smith fills in for 3RD, then Hughes is stuck in college or the AHL and Bahl and Okhotiuk are nowhere. Seems like a few LD have to go because the future is (IMO) 1LD-Hughes, 2LD-Siegs and 3LD-Smith/Mukhamadullin

If all these guys are so good that they /need/ a spot in the NHL, you let Severson and Graves walk and get cheaper and younger.

I just doubt any of these guys are so good that you absolutely NEED them in the NHL and can't use them in trades or as 7D

And even if they are they doesn't remotely come close to a justification for trading 5th overall for a pending UFA

Glad someone gets it lol

Not really tbh. Unless Vegas lets Hague go in a trade or OS getting a roster player back and dont re-sign Reilly, Roy is likely gone too

Okhotiuk made himself relevant these last couple of days. If Graves bolts, Siegenthaler is top leftie, everyone bumps up. If I am moving a d man its Smith (value at all time low, so it woudl happen start of next season or anyone who takes a flyer on him). Hughes isnt here until end of next yr earliest if he stays like he says at Mich

Both Luke Hughes and Mukhamadulkin have played almost exclusively RD over last two seasons.

Siegenthaler - LD
Severson - RD
Smith - LD/RD
Hamilton - RD
Okhotiuk - LD
Walsh - RD
Mukhamadullin - RD
Hughes - RD
Edwards - LD
Bahl - LD/RD
Vilen - LD
McCarthy - RD

Most these guys will be exempt from waivers for years. And many play both sides regularly.

While I never really paid attention to it and really never noticed it (assuming you are telling the truth), it is incredibly rare for a team to be playing 2 left shot defenseman on the right side. Even 3 if you have smith there but obviously you got Dougie and Severson.

This is a good problem to have, but playing Hughes on the right side will really hurt is growth at the pro level

Dumba+25oa isn't enough for 6oa.

The devils have won three cups.
1995: 6 LHD, 0 RHD
2000: 5 LHD, 1 RHD
2003: 5 LHD, 1 RHD

I think the righty/lefty thing gets overvalued. Devils have plenty of flexibility from both sides. They only need 1 LHD to play RD and chances are it won’t be the same guy every night.

2021 Tampa: 3 RD, 3LD
2020 Tampa: 3 RD 3LD
2019 Blues: 3RD 3LD
2018 Capitals: 3RD 3LD

I could keep going. This is what cup teams are doing. Makes no sense to do otherwise