Can tell you with 100% confidence that Loheri isn't happening

Fair value but I think someone like Vaakanainen would be targeted instead of that no name dude

Is the rest fair value to you? Who would you replace him with?

I dont know the Bruins prospect pool well. Has Lohrei jumped Urho Vaakananien in value?

You mean Lohrei who is a better prospect than Urho? Lol. No worries he won’t be involved.

I'd decline this for NJ.
Bjork doesn't really contribute to NJs immediate or future success.
Lohrei looks like a great prospect, but the Devils already have two puck-moving LD (Smith, Butcher). If we're restocking D, a defensive LD (Bahl-type) or RD is a preference.
The 2nd and 5th are throw ins

I'm not a big Kulikov person, but to me Palms is a 2nd + Bjork. IDK that I'd say Lohrei has "jumped" Urho but he's having a monster year in the USHL and probably has a higher upside than Vaak does right now. Vaak has never been the same since Boro elbowed him in the head a few years ago.

Kulikov - I wasn't either but hes been really solid this year. I honestly would rather move Murray then him but Murray will be harder due to his cap hit. Kulikov actually wanted to come to NJ becuase he has friends/family here.

Palmieri - I'd turn that one down. I honestly dont know where Bjork fits in for us but had added him becuase it seems to be a common name that pops up.

Thanks for the insight on D prospects

Who's been the better puck-mover? Kulikov or Murray?

Bjork is better than his numbers show. Plays LW/RW, can play on the PK, has a good set of hands and some elusiveness. Honestly he's a guy to me that we'll trade and he'll become a better player. Cassidy loves to staple young guys to the bench for the smallest mistakes and then it kills their confidence. He did it to Seny last night and Seny has been actually really good over the last 3-5 games or Boston. After he finally got another shift, you could tell he was playing to not make a mistake.

Devils would greatly prefer that no-name dude.



Murray. But its close.
I think Murray is better fit for Bruins. Would be cheaper in trade cost, but salary is higher.
And B's have some depth in case he needs off-day for his back.



I disagree and lean towards "accept" from NJD perspective.
Maybe ask for 3rd or 4th instead of the 5th, if one wants to.
But I am bullish on Bjork has long-term 3rd line type. Will fill a lot of holes left open by Coleman's departure (versatility, PK, etc). And needs a change of scenery, new coach.
Lohrei is not simple puck-moving type. He also can put puck on net, which Bahl is having trouble with. And has some serious size (6'4") which Smith, Butcher do not have.
Lohrei has considerably higher ceiling than Vaak, who I'd view as bottom-pair piece.

Its a good trade.

I also prefer Murray but haven't seen him enough so I'm not certain. Kulikov is playing better than his average level in his career and has always been more of a defensive-minded guy unlike Murray (2W).

I think you have it right.
Devils have had some lackluster defensive d-men in recent years.
So both of these guys have probably earned 2-3 year deals.
Hope devils trade one, keep the other.

Prior to the season I preferred Murray but after 30+ games, I have switched over to Kulikov. They both wont put up massive point totals (though Murray of late has been putting up respectable numbers) but they both can move the puck.

What I like about Kulikov is that he adds that physical edge than none of the Devils defenseman have right now. He is good in his own zone and is physical but also isnt a liability skating with or without the puck.

Kulikov has been nice surprise. Fixture in our top-four (Smith/Severson as top pair, Kulikov/Subban as 2nd pair)
He is without a doubt the more physical of the two.
Takes a penalty here and there, but rarely bad ones.
If Devils could re-up him for ~2 years, I'd be good with that.

I'm 100% in the camp of ... absolutely (pleasantly) surprised by Kulikov's performance this season & would like to see him resigned ... maybe its a coaching thing or a fit thing, who knows ... but whatever it was, it just worked. NJ should try to bring Kulikov back & give the kid defensemen another year of seasoning in AHL/KHL/OHL etc as required.

I hope they trade both & try to resign at least one ... but I wouldn't be against both returning on a team friendly short term (2 yr or less) deals. Not impossible in current financial climate.

Fair chance Butcher is in Seattle next season (or traded elsewhere), so having both these guys back would be a solid move imo.

Butcher was expendable once Ty Smith became a fixture on the team. Similar type of player but his skating is an issue with his lack of size in his own end. Unfortunate because he showed promise as a rookie.