I can see why Fitzy would turn that down. But man that would’ve been a hell of a trade

Great deal for Nash, I wouldnt do that if I am NJ

I think any offer with Mercer gets declined.

All the other stuff is probably available

Insane unprecedented ask for a goalie

Flames would definitely offer Markstrom + Hanifin for that. Both are better players this season and you wouldn’t get stuck with an $8-9mil/yr Goalie contract

And NJD will still undoubtedly pass

Just based on what we have seen and read over last year or so, it sounds like just saying “Mercer” ends any conversation.

(I think Conroy wants Holtz anyway)

I don’t know why given we have Coronato already and need a Centre and Defence more, but whatevs. I’d happily swap Coronato for Holtz though personally or include them in a package. We’ll just have to find our Mercer elsewhere or Draft one

Maybe try to Sell High on Sharangovich for Anton Lundell or something

Lundell…but he is more of 3C.
Hard to buy a top-6 center with expiring assets.
Best route is to hit in draft….or move Andersson for one.

Id be interested in any Young Centre we could groom to be a 1/2C like we did with Elias Lindholm

Lundell’s production is similar to Mercer’s who’s predominantly been used a RW anyways

Mercer is Jack-of-all-trades. He can play anywhere and we don’t have to worry much about him. He is great, we love him, but isn’t a guy you’d build a franchise around. His upside is Lindholm, downside is a lighter Coleman. Lundell is better defender and probably ends up closer to Backlund, I’d think.

Both/Either would be awesome additions if you could get.

If there is stomach for full rebuild…move Coleman or Andersson for good young center. Then move Hanifin for Thompson, Perbix and picks. Tanev straight up Bourque. There are a bunch of good RHD in free agency this summer. Tough to target top-6 center with just the expiring pieces.