Laine's definitely worth more than that. Probably costs Hischier to get Laine.

I hate this trade, but also kind of like it.

Why isn't Butcher playing?

Edit: I think it needs more value, but I also like the makeup of this team...That's where I was going with this...

Butcher isn't playing because he doesn't fit with the Devils anymore. He still is a solid defensemen but Smith took his spot this year.

Only thing I would switch is Mercer to Gusev and add Merkely. This way Blue Jackets would get more NHL ready players

Uhh no.

Gusev is a UFA at the end of the season. If you're going to for quantity over quality here, you need a top prospect (Mercer) involved. Otherwise, if it's a quality for quality trade, it's someone like Hischier (See: PLD trade).

Gusev would replace Laine in the top 6. Don't see the Devils trading Nico or Jack in a Laine trade. Maybe they would include their 2021 first

Yeah, it's just that Gusev coming in and then leaving as a UFA makes absolutely no sense for Columbus. In your scenario, you're getting 4 years of control of Laine for 1.5 of Butcher, Merkley (who's pretty "meh"), Zacha (Who's a 3C), a 2nd and a 3rd.

You don't get a guy like Laine without either giving up a high ceiling prospect (+++), or someone with similar value to PLD.

Even with the 1st, unless it's a top-6ish pick, I wouldn't do it.

Lol, he has only been there for like two weeks and people are already drawing up trades to move him away from Columbus.

Is this surprising to anyone?? Torts + Laine = ?

If I was an acquiring team, I'd be very careful with Laine until I had more certainty about what he is going to demand at year end. I'd prefer permission to negotiate a long term contract with him before laying out assets to aquire. I think whether its long term or a kick the can on this RFA roll over, its going to be contentious negotiations.

Fair comments ...

NJD accepts