Quoting: Dadof5boys
I agree the goalie market it tough when it comes to valuations; however, it seems that the Devils could really use a true #1 upper echelon goaltender. Adding Novak to deal helps replace Mercer’s production, and adding Trenin gives you a gritty defensively responsible forward who can chip in some goals. Could be the adds that can lead to a deep playoff run; then you have Saros again for next year’s run.
Mercer is not a trade option though. Holtz may be available…his name is out there a bit this year.
Below is what I said I recent thread to another fan that asked about the two:
Mercer gets the 4th most ice time if any of our forwards. Plays wing and center. Plays defensive situations and offensive situations. Plays PK and PP. Plays in hard areas and in open ice. Has never missed a game. Is loved by teammates and coaches.
Holtz plays wing, has great offensive skills and instincts. Has struggled a bit with turnovers in bad areas at times. Is an elite shooter/finisher. Plays mostly fourth line minutes (to the frustration of many devils fans). While he is liked by our GM (and by Andrew Brunette last year), Lindy Ruff has never seemed to be a big fan. Result is he gets moved up and down lineup, and confidence swings are obvious.
Very different players and Mercer much more highly valued than Holtz for our needs. Holtz will probably end up putting up higher point totals, but is the guy we probably would be more likely to move. During Meier negotiations last year, Fitzy took Mercer off the table altogether. And when asked about Holtz, he reportedly said, “if Holtz, only Holtz”. San Jose opted for the larger package instead.