Devils 24-25

Would rather find a goalie with term if we are going to pay a big ticket

I don’t see NSH agreeing to this deal

I would ideally do this deal before the trade deadline this year. Probably have to throw in a bit more like another pick to make it happen. But goalies don't usually go for much more than a #1 and change, even very good ones.

This is where I have to disagree. NSH already had conversations with LA back at last years deadline and "a 1st and change" was far from the asking price for Saros. That price has obviously come down, but the price is still higher than that and so NSH declines. NSH really doesn't need to move Saros as they have the cap to resign him without any real issue and within the next 2 years NSH will likely have the tandem of Saros and Askarov. NSH isn't moving Saros without a considerable haul coming back for NSH, especially when you are also including one of NSH's few center prospects who even realistically has a chance to play. NSH would likely be looking for a blue-chip prospect at center or RD, a 1st, and Vanecek as the return for Saros, and that is coming down from what the rumored cost of multiple 1sts/prospects (it was speculated 3-4 total pieces).

I don't think NSH is going to ever move Saros, but if you want him that badly, it would be something like 1 of Holtz/Seamus, a 1st, and Vanecek for Saros and maybe a pick. It's a high ask, but any offer for Saros is going to be an overpay because NSH values him too much.

I think its posturing because 1) Nashville thinks tehy can contend this year and 2) they have Askarov in the system. If tehy don't have Askarov, don't think Juuse is ever traded and is just extended. With him, if Nashville doesn't contend this year, I think it makes sense to move him and commit to a full rebuild. Vanecek is cheap enough yet experienced enough to help break Askarov in in a platoon and then Nashville can flip Vanecek. But all this is predicated on them being willing to turn the page and transition to Askarov in the next year or two. If Trotz feels like you described, and wants an Askarov/Saaros platoon for the forseeable future, or wants to keep contending then there is no realistic deal to be made for the Devils or probably anyone else. I just think it would be poor asset management from Nashivlle to sign Saaros for $7 million plus a year while keeping Askarov (who will also need a new contract at that time), when their forward group might be the worst in the NHL (there is not a single forward on their roster that scored 20+ NHL goals last year, which is hard to do in today's NHL) and they are paying $8.5 -$ 12 million a season for guys NOT to play for them. Maybe they extend Saaros and look to move Askarov but think its very hard to win committing a ton to goalies and 30+ year old defensemen without many top line forward prospects and only one current upper tier forward on the team.