Other goalies exist that won't cost a top 10 pick, nor are it mid 30s, nor are that expensive against the cap

Take the picks out

Devils would potentially lose out on a lot of value if they did it this way, and there is more than one way to skin a cat. Markstrom as a rental is probably worth a 1st to whomever needs him, either now or at the deadline. A top 10 pick is worth significantly more than Markstrom as a rental and a top 10 pick is worth significantly more than where VANs pick will end up in the 20s. Together I think the value is somewhat close, but you probably keep you top 10 pick and see if there is another way to get it done if youre the devils. E.g. the devils 2025 1st round pick and either a player or prospect for markstrom by himself.

Marstrom isn't a rental, he has 2 years of term left.

my bad. I thought his deal expired after 24-25 for some reason. Maybe I was conflating the Saros situation. Nonetheless, I dont think it changes the sentiment too much about an aversion to trade a top 10 pick either way. From the data analysis done on things like 'true pick value' we know that 10th is roughly equal to 2 picks in the 20s; however, the closer you get to top 10/ top 5/ top 3, teams tend not to look at it from that perspective and opt to keep the high pick if they can.

Yeah we know. That ugly 2nd year when he’s 36 years old and still owed 6 million is brutal