That trade is putrid for the Devils.

That signing is a HUGE overpayment for Ben Hutton.

Too much money for Zacha too.

Butcher and Mueller contracts are about right. Mueller will get slightly less.

My goodness this is bad.

So trading an overpaid bottom 6 winger and an impending FA for a 2nd, a top 6 winger and a LTIR contract is putrid? Right.

I think you are undervaluing vatanen and over valuing reilly smith. He was forced into top 6 minutes in vegas and florida. he had great linemates in vegas and florida. I dont see smith hitting 50 points on that 3rd line. maybe with hall but then simmonds is pretty much useless on that 3rd line as well.

You're referring to Wood as the overpaid Bottom 6 winger in this example? I will definitely disagree with you on that. His speed and grit alone give him value. I will, however, agree that he won't likely slot into a top 6 role until his puck possession skills improve. But, I think if anything, his contract was/is an absolute steal.

I believe Clarkson has already stated that his NTC list will include only the lowest taxed teams in the league, which means NJ will not make this list. I could be mistaken about this, though