With Nashville trading away their Assistant Captain Ryan McDonagh, their is a leadership roll and defensive hole to fill. The Team also is making moves as though it is trying to do a partial rebuild asap, which makes this trade seem like something they might go for. It fills the new D hole with a top pairing Defense man, gives them a more recent pick and keeps them competitive now.

For NJ they get their Goalie tandem issue that has plagued them in a better state. (Even with Gus having a down year)

For MN they get a 1st round pick and drop Cap allowing them to pursue key pieces this summer for Karill.

Nashville doesn't need a defenseman who is going to be 35 shortly into next season, and is also under contract until 2027. We moved McDonagh to get younger. As much as RD is a hole on the roster, Spurgeon isn't the solution. Not to mention there are a number of guys who could be affordable FA options like Montour, Pesce, or Roy.

NSH definitely didn't trade McDonagh, so they could gift MIN a 1st for an injured, older, more expensive defenceman.

MIN is going to be giving up draft capital - not getting it - if they're able to move Spurgeon.