Devils decline. We're not after futures, and if we get to the deadline and still suck we'd be after a first.

How about no retention on Zaitsev but we add another decent prospect and/or a pick?

Devils would want young ELC players: JBD, Ostapchuk, Boucher
If not futures package at deadline: 1st, prospect, later pick

How about another prospect or pick instead of Zaitsev?

assuming this is at the deadline, and njd is in a playoff spot, it will most likely need to be a roster player going back

Not happening. If the Devils are contending it's gotta be a roster player that objectively improves the team. If we sell at the deadline (unlikely imo) there'll be multiple teams offering firsts.

If they loose Severson they gonna need someone to play on the 3rd pairing Zaitsev can play this role

Not Boucher, no way. None of these guys do it for me tbh

Don't need him

RD depth on NJD

Severson
Hamilton
Marino
Hughes
Nemec
Mukhamadullin
Walsh

(all likely to play during 2022-23).

I'd do that, as long as it isn't Pinto/Grieg/Sanderson etc.

No, wouldn't ask for those guys.

Two of JBD, Ostapchuk, Boucher probably fits

Buy low...he will be worth it

Sokolov, JBD, and a 2nd is fair for one year of Severson imo.

What makes you say that?

I think the combination of getting over-drafted and having a tough D+1 season have led some to write him off too quickly. View him as a guy taken in 2nd round, not in top-10 and give him a couple of years. His assets fit our needs. Heavier skill to play down low in corners and around net. And I think Ostapchuk brings a lot of same. And JBD is a guy that defends well his skating.

We could ask for Sanderson, or another top prospect, but we have very little chance there. Go for a couple realistic depth pieces that fill holes in our pipeline.

Or, we could find a trade partner that actually works. Someone will offer a first.

It's not the worst offer someone's floated on this website.
But I'd bet that there'd be at least one team willing to blow that out of the water come TDL for Severson, especially if there's an extension in place.