Big moves for the cup

Trade occurs in 2021 offseason with Zacha at 50% retained for the final year and is an RFA for the 2022 offseason. If a third team is needed to cut the salary in half again, then that is implemented. Also if more value is needed to pry Tuch away, then a second round pick could be given or Johnsson with 50% retained.

Overpay for Tuch. But Tuch is a smarter, better defensively, and harder working than Zacha. Zacha’s wrist shot is better and Tuch is on LTIR. So they need to still stay good and Zacha plus prospects/players that can contribute now will be an overpay for Tuch, but I think it’s worth it for both teams.

Trade occurs in the 2022 offseason. If the Devils need to add more, which I don’t think they need to on either trade, but if they need to then they can add Chase Stillman plus more prospects and picks until they get the job done.

The Devils have so many good prospects and they need to make a move that’ll make them acquire top assets that’ll make them win a cup. You need skilled and strong guys in the top six to win a cup. It is a lot to give up for Tkachuk, but Smith is expendable with L Hughes in the system and so many LHD guys in the pipeline. This overpay would send Calgary into a full rebuild and it’s a good way to start off a rebuild. Tatar can be used for Calgary to trade at 50% at the 2023 deadline. I know Smith can put up points, but he is not very athletic, aggressive, nor quick. Even though he produced this past season and I know he was just a rookie, I’m more confident in other players to get the job done. The devils won their cups with big and strong defenseman that are good at defense, and smith has way too much work to go to be a good defenseman defensively. And to get Tkachuk and this lineup, I believe that it is worth it.

If the Devils need to pay more to get back Bastian and reunite the BMW line, then throw in more picks. Do whatever it takes. Too much love and chemistry with those guys to let Nater leave. This would be the cherry on top for everything.