1st and a good prospect probably as the base ask. Don't think NJ is in buyers mode yet

I hate this deal for NJ. Grits and Casey are two of our top 5 prospects, I'd much rather just play Gritsyuk since he's cost controlled.

Not buyers now, but could be next summer.
Would probably be limited to filling holes unless some of the kids hit a wall in their development.
(But that makes less appealing ACGMs)

Severson would have to be extended to a reasonable price

I hearya, but I had to throw something worthwhile in there.
Also, not sure how long Gritsyuk will take.
Schmaltz has four years (I guess technically three at time of this team)

I imagine they will be doing 1 more year of selling before trying to make legitimate playoff pushes. I think if NJ can get their goaltending figured out they could be a juggernaut between 2025 and 2028 the same way Colorado was the last couple years

My guess is that his next contract will look like Justin Faulk's...7 years x $6.5 million. Give or take.

100% agree. Even last year's team would have been in middle of pack in goal differential if their xGA matched their actual GA.

We may be coming for Vladar if Blackwood falls apart again.

Well I don't really look at their current team too much since imo a major portion of it will be gone next year. I mostly just narrow in on the future core players and prospect potential.

Bratt should hire you.

I think right way to look at. NJD lineup for 2025-28 window...

Sharangovich -- Hughes -- Holtz
?? -- Hischier -- Bratt
Palat -- Mercer -- ??
?? -- ?? -- ??

(Gritsyuk, Foote, Thompson, Zetterlund, Stillman, Salminen, Filmon...)


Siegenthaler -- Hamilton
Hughes -- Marino or Severson
?? -- Nemec

(Mukhamadullin, Okhotiuk, Bahl, Walsh, Casey...)

????
????

(Blackwood, Vanecek, Daws, Schmid, Brennan, Malek, Brady, Mittens)

Still plenty of holes. One more top-6 winger and #1 goalie makes picture a lot clearer.

That Schmaltz deal is terrible for the devils lol. Take out Gritsyuk and add a 3rd or 2nd and thatll be more than enough lol. Gritsyuk is an A prospect. He would only be moved for a trade for a player like Debrincat

Yeah I just see the puzzle pieces forming. I think Severson will probably end up being sold this year as he doesn't really fit the window, plus L Hughes likely signs his ELC around the same time.

Im cant decide if Sharangovich is more of a middle 6 winger or legitimate top 6 though

He is right on that border. Was a late bloomer. Skating was once his biggest weakness, but he improved a lot working with KHL skating coach a couple of years ago and now it’s an asset (which is unusual, because skating rarely improves that much at that age). His wrist shot is his biggest strength. I think he will be regular 20-30 goal candidate. Has great chemistry with Hughes. So likely stapled as third piece on that line for a while.