Isles should be all over that.

It's re tool "when" Gaudreau leaves not if but when

I think MT is a top 20 winger in the league and would love to have him with the Devils.
But if Devils were to trade anything close to that for him, my disappointment would know no ends.
That's way too much for MT.

If JG leaves, NJ is one of of the rumored destinations, so I doubt NJ makes that move if they’re just going to grab JG for nothing. Especially considering that’s the best defensive defenseman in the league, and a very highly regarded prospect. No thanks there

Problem is, your re-tool is apparantly happening in the next few days, all those '22 drafy picks you're acquiring!!

If one player leaves via UFA, we does the Flames "retool" and likely finish out of the playoffs. Crazy to think the Devils give up so much for one year of Tkzachuk.

Devils say, thanks, but no thanks

Calgary could do better in the Lindholm and Kylington trades.

Our GM is his uncle, so maybe there would be a “hey, heads-up, he isn’t re-signing” before we do anything foolish

Gotta think the uncle thing is meaningless to MT. He will decide his fate....by signing long term with Flames or just wait to be a year to be a UFA. Don't see Jersey has having such an appeal to MT over some other teams he might want to sign with long term.

It may not sway his decision one way or another, but Keith and Tom are very close so I’d imagine Fitzy would have full information before trading for him.

Also, NJ is a pretty player-friendly organization. New facilities, good reputation, easy travel schedule, low commute, tons of cap space, promising future, well-funded ownership. Only big negative for next 7 years will be taxes.

The only way a "big" trade works if for MT works if Calgary allows him to negotiate with other teams. If I'm the Devils I sure would talk, see what he wants on long term deal. Even if the contract is doable, just wait a year keep the cheap assests and take my chances on signing him next season.
With Tarasenko's contract expiring, gotta think Blues are still the front runner for his services.
IMO, MT is a UFA next summer

Depends on when tkachuk wants to get paid and the security around it. He just had a career year and may want to cash in now when is value is highest. No telling what could happen in a years time. Could get injured or have a worse season especially if Gaudreau leaves in FA. But if he wants to bet on himself, he could do that too. But how much more could he get in a years time compared to now? Only thing I can see is his value going down, not up. Like Taylor Hall.

Good points. But geez if he's going to cost about 10m....wouldn't the Jersey just be better to sign a UFA like Gaudreau and keep Mercer and the 2nd overall, or just wait for year keep the 2nd overall, Mercer and check out the UFA market next season.?

Oh yeah, I think that's for sure the best course of action for the Devils but I'm just saying in this situation