I think Meier would block this. Karlsson might accept though. He certainly would get a better opportunity to compete in the future.

Meier’s contract: 7+ years left, $8.8 million aav
Rakell’s contract: 4+ years left, $5 million aav

Meier’s stats this year: 45 games, 24 points
Rakell’s stats this year: 43 games, 23 points

If you think PIT fans have been frustrated with Rakell’s down year, imagine how frustrated they’d be with Meier putting up the same production while making $3.8 million more.

Personally I'd consider this deal. I think Meier just isn't fitting with NJ. A player like that doesn't just hit the wall as hard as he did at 27 years old. It's clearly a system thing. He's also been battling injury issues.

I’ve never disliked Meier, but his production as a Devil while playing alongside great players is worrisome. I’m not saying that he won’t bounce back in some capacity, he’s a good player, but could his lack of production just be because he doesn’t have the reins on a bad team like he did in SJ? Similar situation that got Karlsson 100 points. Speaking of which, Karlsson has been much better for us than most of the fan base gives him credit for. His analytics have been very solid offensively. While I think PIT will probably have to add a big name scorer if Guentzel is dealt, they would be able to do so without moving Karlsson.

Personally, I’d much rather take a shot on Laine. Sid would unquestionably bring the best out of him. I could definitely see 40+ goals from him if he’s getting fed by Sid. His 2 years left on his contract is far less of a risk as well.

Devils say “no thanks” to all three.

Meier is fine.

I would be interested in Kostin…but a 2nd rounder is a little steep for a 4th liner/healthy scratch, no?

Laine?!?! dude, what are you smoking?

Also kostin was given away for FC this past offseason

Last year was chaotic…and he never looked bad. Just some trial and error, finding his spot on power play…best line…left side, right side…etc.

This year has been a string of injuries that he has been playing through. There are definitely nights where he is very much the guy we hoped for….just hasn’t put together a healthy stretch where he can catch fire yet (hopefully it starts tonight in his return to San Jose).

Laine is a pure finisher. He can score goals from anywhere in the O zone. No better opportunity to bounce back as a goal scorer than playing next to Crosby.

Laine has 2 years left after this year, and is far less of a risk than Meier’s contract, who has had bad production on a way better team than Columbus. Laine can be had for a pretty cheap price right now. He can be had without trading Karlsson like in the above hypothetical trade. (NJD won’t move Meier anyway.)

So if given the option between trading Karlsson for Meier or keeping Karlsson, and adding Laine for cheap in the off-season to play with Crosby.. Yes, I’d rather take the shot on Laine.

There’s no way NJD would do this anyway. Their RD is locked down for the foreseeable future with Hamilton, Marino, and Nemec. Just doesn’t make sense for them to go for Karlsson.

Agreed.

We need a LD, possibly 3C for pipeline…and a goalie.

RD is in good shape.

Get mccleod out of the lineup and Foote out of the trade. Their careers are over.