Holtz wont be part of the deal

What's the last goalie that went for anything remotely that high? What is even the market for places Helle would say he'd be willing to extend?

I'm assuming a prospect would be a part of a deal for Helly. Maybe not Holtz but possibly someone like Stillman.

Schneider or Ryan Miller come to mind

Miller one I'd grant you, but neither of those other pieces is near a Holtz. The Schneider trade is much different as he was younger, and only for a 1st. The other piece of context I don't know back then is who else was in the market driving up prices. I can't see many in the market to give up a 1st+. Is it LAK, BUF, and Maaaaaaybe NJ?

Fitz didn't build this team up on spending too much on trades. He's better off building like Vegas where the goalie could be interchangeable.

Ya, I agree. LA probably can't afford. CBJ could be a destination as well.

Holtz is probably too much of an ask but the big retention piece is the only way. I guess it depends on Fitz thoughts about Vanecek who played well and a ton of games.

Exploring this a bit.
Schneider got the 9OA - agree with above on age/team control; Fitz’s MO.
Miller (with retention and Ott) got a late 1st and 3rd, Halak, bottom-six winger, and a nobody prospect.

I can’t see how the Devils give up more than:
2025 2nd, Vanacek, a B prospect (eg. Thompson, Foote, maybe Stillman).

Retention wouldn't be a big need of VV is going in the deal, also could be a 3rd team that would do it cheaper than WPG having go do it.

Ya maybe a third team. I thought NJ was close to cap but maybe not.

I think WPG would be willing for the first assuming it would be pretty late + VV (at least conditional first). Maybe there is even a way without moving VV as well.

Maybe Helly ends up being a TDL move especially if some injuries pop up.