1. Palat rejects.
2. Sullivan can't be fired and has a lot of input. He would hate Mercer.
3. This value sucks for PIT. Palat is a horrible contract that will be a huge liability in the future if it isn't already. It was stupid to sign and will only look worse going forward. Mercer is a good player but Sullivan would demote and then bench him like he does with anyone he doesn't like. It would end up being a massive liability contract, a 3rd liner for the team's best trade asset (Pettersson) and a solid starting goalie. I'd rather they get NJD to trade two future firsts than this package. Or another two 2nds if they want Palat coming and he is willing to waive. PIT needs futures, not roster players to tank with.

i dont think this is a good deal for PIT. jarry for mercer seems to be fairer value but obviously theres work to be done to even that value out. palat has a big cap hit, is on a down year, is slowing down, and under contract for another few years and i dont think GMKD is willing to give up yet on the core, so hes not gonna want that contract. pettersson plays tough minutes with 2 partners who dont play defense and puts up good results, and PIT is asked to give up a 2nd too? the value doesnt match. mercer is a good player, but not worth taking a cap dump, giving up a quietly very good/steady defenseman plus a 2nd.

I would also offer 2 1sts in 25 and 26 instead of said package.

I didn’t make the initial proposal. Was one I saw that was new and interesting and wanted to see how it would look cap and roster wise.

Additionally, if Pitt wants to send out Sullivan NJD will happily take him

If I understand correctly,
2025 1st+2026 1st+pair of 2025 2nds+Palat for Jarry+Pettersson?

I think NJD would do that

If you want one of the league's worst PP units then by all means.

Does he run the ridiculously stupid drop pass on every entry?

Yes almost exclusively and it hasn't been effective since Kessel left. And Sullivan alienated Kessel off the roster in the first place.

why not spend a little more draft capital to go out and acquire a consistent goalie? better yet just sign one in free agency then sell off some contracts for picks to make room for future cap if need be?

The current ask on other goalies is ridiculous.

If there is a goalie at a more reasonable price relative to play, sure we’ll go get them.

and besides jarry, what other team could you see the devils trading for a goalie with?

If the markstrom price comes down to reality, him.

Gibson, Saros, Ullmark, Logan Thompson, knight, georgiev, any of the free agents.

Wherever the value is best in terms of cap, acquisition cost, age, and production.