Wouldn’t be both 1sts. But I get the point you are making.

Swayman has no NTC protection, but as RFA, would have a say in where he extends (He could QO 2x to UFA). So that would narrow the market considerably.

Again Allen trade is just an option (as it says in trade details) if we are against cap and since I don't really know what Debrusk is asking for I left room in cap space to adjust. I also said in JM details that assets could be used instead (like Holtz) and I am also happy with the Devs paying a premium for a goalie like JM who has two years left and could be 3 mil a yr (not bad imo) If they don't pay up the first thats awesome but I just feel as though it may happen. Markstrom isa good interim goalie and has proved he still has it on multiple occasions. And people saying Ullmark seriously are not realizing how much he is going to cost. Devs have names they have to pay next yr and the yr after. And I challenge people to name a goalie in their 20s who is actually available.

Also for Ullmark, Devils are on No Trade list (which won’t change before July 1st). If we waives NTC, it’s probably done after 7/1 in exchange for higher AAV number on extension (and would likely turn into NMC once extension is signed)

(I think Ullmark is the least likely of all the talked about goalies)

Again Allen trade is just an option (as it says in trade details) if we are against cap and since I don't really know what Debrusk is asking for I left room in cap space to adjust. I also said in JM details that assets could be used instead (like Holtz) and I am also happy with the Devs paying a premium for a goalie like JM who has two years left and could be 3 mil a yr (not bad imo) If they don't pay up the first thats awesome but I just feel as though it may happen. Markstrom isa good interim goalie and has proved he still has it on multiple occasions. And people saying Ullmark seriously are not realizing how much he is going to cost. Devs have names they have to pay next yr and the yr after. And I challenge people to name a goalie in their 20s who is actually available.

Oops posted that one twice

There are plenty of goalies in their 20s available. Gustavsson has been linked to NJD…and Russo has said Guerin may use him to upgrade their draft position. Saros may be available, depending on how extension talks go. Trotz and Fitzy are very close (as are Guerin and Fitzy)…so I would imagine they are at least talking. Adin Hill is rumored to be available, although haven’t seen Devils linked to him. Joey Daccord is available. I have seen anything on Vejmelka, but sounds like some speculate that he may be an option. Some Pens fans believe Jarry may be available.

As for Markstrom, I’m totally good with him for $3m x 2 years. I just don’t think the trade pieces align. 10th overall is too much…so we’d either need another piece back or send different piece. The scenario where Calgary sends Markstrom along with Vancouver 1st for #10 is one route (not my first choice, but plausible). Or could be other players included.

LOL as if Boston is going to trade Swayman. That's even more delusional than thinking you'll get Saros cheap.

I didn't say they were going to do it. I said if you're going to trade it, that's what it should be for. I have always been at keep the pick. Who said Saros would be cheap? Not me.

But also all this 10OA, Nemec, Holtz and Mercer for Juicy is hysterical

And I totally agree that they would all be probably better options but I just don't think any of them are gonna happen. Gustavsson is a great choice but I think at the end of the day the wild would rather keep their easy to swallow contract Gustavsson than move him and with fleury being ancient its and he is 26 (hard to move that as a GM with one bad season that improved toward the back end tremendously). I really stand by the fact that Saros won't go anywhere unless things get really bad in Nashville, he is so valuable and will cost again a tremendous amount of money for the foreseeable future with an extension. Hill is 5 mil with no chance of retention unless we go through another party (which could happen), And I like Daccord but Id rather stick with someone thats done the dance before (played 60+ games and more than one season of success). Goalies can play the game for a long time as long as they avoid certain injuries (which JM has). And the knights proved you don't need a Saros or Ullmark to win a cup and idk about you but after being a devils fan for my whole life (22 long years and obviously wasn't really sentient for 03) I'm here for a run, which JM can handle as we have seen it before.

I am with you on Markstrom…it’s especially intriguing since he actually wants to play here.

Here is my case on a couple of the others

Saros -- Trotz has a big decision to make. It’s likely 7-9 years of Saros or it will be Askorov. Long-term, it doesn’t make sense to keep both. Saros has zero trade protection today, so Trotz can hold an open auction for highest bidder and bring down a haul for him. The minute Saros signs an extension, he is likely getting full NMC (that would apply immediately to current contract as well as extension). So after extension, Saros holds all the cards. Trotz has to make a big long-term call pretty soon.

Daccord -- I do not believe he will be a one-hit wonder. Few goalies enjoy playing the net as much as him. Has a very high work ethic. And grew up around the nuts and bolts of goaltending (his dad is one of the best goalie coaches on the planet). An extension probably comes in tandem range too ($3-4m).

Hill -- may be cheapest in trade price to acquire. Vegas needs to move cap to sign their UFAs. And they have shown history of selling guys cheaply to Eastern conference teams (Pacioretty to Carolina in 2022, Smith to Pittsburgh in 2023) in order to move cap. At $5m for one year, I don’t think we would need retention.

Gustavsson -- they have Wallstedt nearing the jump, and MAF for another year. And very specific wants out of the draft. It may also be the last chance to buy a good goalie after a dip in value.

Where we are missing each other is still the cap hit for this year, I did this Armchair GM to also add at forward (Henrique, Debrusk, Mercer bridge deal) all of these probably can't happen if we go out and spend 5+ on a goalie. This is why I went with JM, and for the case of Daccord ill emphasize that no matter how much he could be great a one yr sample size has hurt teams in the past and as I am in the boat of cup contention JM is still my pick. You have sold me a little on Gustavsson but I still don't know if it will actually happen so I stick with JM (I just know that can happen). And I am still a hard believer on passing on Saros because of players like Luke, Bahl, and Holtz (depending on how good he is next yr) next year who are looking for their extensions.