Realistic

Team: 2022-23 New Jersey Devils

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 8, 2022

Published: Jun. 9, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

A lot of IF's go into this so people might think it's a bit wild, but bare with me lol.

1) I can 100% see NJ go "off the board" and take Nemec #2. Honestly I think 2-5 in the draft is quite even. While NJ could use more size/skill in the top 6, Nemec hits just as much of a need as an elite RHD prospect if we lose Severson to UFA (I could see contract negotiations go sideways). Also, this was partially assuming we get Gaudreau in FA which I know it basically impossible to bank on considering the draft is before free agency. Look at this as a realistic "best case scenario". We could always draftNemec and trade for Fiala instead (which most likely won't include the #2 in the trade) which would probably provide a better long term financial situation.

2) Bernier could go 2 ways: He either heals perfectly and can play, or his hip injury causes more issues and we put him on LTIR island. I went with the LTIR route to give us the cap space which seems realistic because our owners have shown they aren't afraid to spend $ to get us competitive again. If they wanted to get the salary off the books we could just trade his contract to a team who could use the LTIR space. Keeping it provides flexibility to give Campbell the $ he's earned while not committing to a long term contract. If Campbell wants more years, we could always approach Husso if he reaches FA.

4) I think if Holtz were to make the team, then Tatar would be moved. I chose the safe route...keep Tatar to rebound (similar to Johnsson this year) and let Holtz round his game out in Utica.

3) All trades were mostly just to show expected return. We probably want cap flexibility and dont need to replace them with players/prospects.

1.

2.

3.