If Lindholm signs a one-year deal, it's to prove that he's worthy of a bigger, longer deal. For that, he'd have to play center and on a playoff team, two things that don't happen in this scenario.

There is a team in the East with a ready made opportunity and cap room. Would he sign a 1 year prove it deal with the Bruins for 8.5m?

I think it's a more suitable option

I don’t think he will be dictating things to that extent. And frankly if he demanded to play a specific position, we would probably be out.

(Also, Devils will be playoff team next year)

I could see the Wild trading Gus if they decide Fleury/Wallstedt is a better tandem to roll with next year, but I really don't see a scenario where they trade Middleton unless they're out of it at the deadline and can move him then for a good return.

Or they'll just extend him anyhow at the beginning of the season and skip the whole "finding a sucker GM to overpay on a pending UFA" since that seems to be Guerin's thing.

OTT has ZERO reason to trade Joseph they decline

on value, that is more than enough for Joseph, and enough to get the Sens thinking real hard about it even though they have no reason to move him. but obviously just that, they have no reason to move him. they'd need to just use those picks to get a guy to replace him.

Giving up first for those players? Just sign a UFA goalie. Don't see Lindholm signing a one year "proof it" contract. Gee, I don't know why NJD really need Lindholm.

If he signs a one-year deal as above, it's to get paid more later. He gets paid more after a strong season at C than after a strong season at RW.

(Also, y'all say this every offseason and NJ just missed the playoffs for the 10th time in 12 seasons - Doubt Lindholm or anyone see them as playoff locks, more like as a bubble team)

Unless Jersey is trading Hirschier for a goaltender, it’s the same situation as Vancouver.

He gets paid more as center. True. But he has been well below expectations this year and won’t be in a position to dictate terms.

NJD have one of the youngest teams and just faced a season with major injury issues. We’ll be fine.

Not a goalie in league today that returns Hischier.

Yep. I’d assume other stuff would need to be included. My perspective is Poitras and Swayman is my equivalent to every Swayman deal you bring up

Not sure I follow.

How many Swayman deals have you personally presented? I see trading Swayman for those packages as similar to Jersey trading Hirschier for Swayman and Poitras

Not that many
Here is last one

I have been trying to diversify my ACGMs of late...

I view that as similar to Swayman and Poitras for Hirschier in terms of realism.

I don't

That’s fine. There is a reason why Sweeney didn’t entertain it when supposedly Jersey asked.

I do not believe that

I don’t believe NJ can keep Hirschier and Hughes happy long term.

My gut is my source same as you. Equally valid.

They are both signed.
They are both happy.
Neither filed for arbitration.
Neither went through arbitration hearing.

Swayman was supposed to sign in January.
Until he does, I will defer to law of averages.

Do players the caliber of Hirschier stay happy playing second fiddle to the team star?

You can hold out hope, but the reality is if Swayman is traded … I believe it will be for more than Jersey will likely be willing to give.

In a center desperate league somebody rolls the dice. Hell CBJ could sell him on a Gaudreau reunion. I do know somebody is going to offer him term and more than $5M AAV.