CAL had made it cl3ear the minimum three parts are a top 6 F, top prospect and 2023 unprotected first - the bare minimum NJD has to part with is Bratt (if they want another RFA), Hughes or Nemec, Holz and 2023 first

The bare minimum for 1-year of Tkachuk:

Jesper Bratt
Jack Hughes
Alexander Holtz
2023 1st

Seems about right

I think they would be trading him to teams he will re sign with to maximize value. Mind you, no way Jack Hughes is in the trade. Bratt, Holtz, 1st should be close.

Bratt is no where near this trade. You don't have to go too far back to see a comparable trade in Eichel... Eichel went for Tuch (top six on a bad team, middle six on a good team), A-type prospect (Krebs, former 1st round pick), a first round and a second round pick.

Mercer (middle six center)
Holtz (top 3 ceiling, top six expected)
2023 1st
2024 2nd

Not many teams can fit a Tkachuk into their cap. The Devils are even getting to that point where they're touching the ceiling.

Mercer > Tuch
Holtz > Krebs
2023 1st > Top 10 Protected 2022 1st
The 2nds are a wash.