you'll find the real issue is getting other NJ fans to agree to trading away Holtz. Because somehow a team's 4th(?) best prospect is untouchable for a top line power forward.

Listen, I’m realistic. I’ve been realistic the whole time. I know what’s a good value trade where both sides will be happy. I’m willing to do it.

oh believe me I know lol. Some SJ fans expect other GMs to trade their house and more for the privilege of making an already bad trade.

I haven’t done the math, but I presume SJ is retaining 50% of Meier’s salary for this season? Not a big issue, but does leave them with only one remaining retention slot.

Yes they would have to retain 50% on this trade. Throwing Andreas Johnsson in is another option but I know a contract would have to come back the other way because SJ would be over 50 contracts.

Swap Mercer for Casey and throw in a 3rd or 2nd

Anddddd here we go with the nonsense!

That’s what it’s going to cost lol. Just wait and see

It’s not but I’ll make sure to check back with you and the rest of the tinfoil hat wearers after!!

Oh yeah, but the central registry tells you no!

Wondering if SJ would take Muk instead of Casey though because size and readiness. I'd be good with either. I really don't know and haven't seen either play. Overall seems fair

Even Holtz + a 1st may be a stretch ... could be Holtz and a top 20 protected first. If the Canes outbid the Devils, the Devils can settle for someone like Lawson Crouse... simply because the Canes have the capspace not to have to sacrifice assets for. Meier's a better player, certainly, but Crouse is big and can score, too, and he'd have pretty good chemistry with the guys in Jersey.

If Meier wants to go to NJ and they'd work out an extension beforehand, SJ is probably worried they'd lose a lot of leverage and the deal looks more like Tarasenko's deal. It's smart to do it this way to maximize return, but NJ has to play the leverage game themselves and consider alternative moves so that SJ can't expose a weakness. SJ is being smart by limiting exposure but seeing that NJ also hasn't pulled the trigger and and is letting this drag out, it seems they're being smart, too.

Agree this type of return implies extension worked out and agree NJ could shop elsewhere. Meier is the best thing on the market, but yeah Grier might ask too much. Meier going to NJ and Holtz to SJ is such a feel good storyline

Meier is the most attractive forward on the market in terms of talent and age combination. BUT…..with a $10M QO, Meier holds all the cards. Not a great cap number, and definitely high enough for him to accept the QO. I *think* that puts him in a position to accept the QO and walk after a year. Would make me gun shy as a GM, at least concerning acquisition cost.