Mercer is worth more than Markstrom even when considering retention. New Jersey also likely does not want to trade thier first nor next year's in the scenario that they flop once again.

Mangiapane seems like he would fit New Jersey's style like a glove and would provide a solid top 6 winger for Hughes to play with. I understand that he is worth more than the difference between both Mercer and Marky but the picks and retention are there to even out the trade.

As is and with thier holes to fill, I don't see New Jersey fitting Mercer into their team long term. Holtz makes more sense due to his ELC being an additional year and frees up when Jersey will have more room to play with.

Cap dump