Team: 2021-22 New Jersey Devils

Initial Creation Date: May 4, 2021

Published: May 4, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Trades:

Foote trade very much has the threat of a NJD offersheet in mind otherwise I don't think Tampa does it. Devils could use cap space to overpay for Foote anywhere in the 3M-4M range and Tampa would only get a 2022 2nd. To maintain relationships and get the player at a more reasonable salary Fitz negotiates with Brisbois. Tampa fans I know that return look underwhelming. If cap issues weren't a thing it would be. But also I think those players could be helpful. Will have minimum cap hits and RFA control. Merkley has looked really good with NJ and his stats reflect that in a small sample size. Not saying he could be the next Coleman but on a better team with better linemates I absolutely think he's a good 4th liner or decent 3rd liner. Former 1st round pick so theres something there. Okhotyuk is very defensively sound with little upside. He's probably been the best of the Devils young D in the AHL this year and in a 3rd pair role his game is suited for the NHL. Ik Tampa has a logjam on the left so you'd probably have to move someone to the right. To make the deal more reasonable you get a 2nd which would have been owed in an offersheet and a 3rd for good measure.

MTL: Saw this trade posted by a Habs fan earlier. Right now I would say no as NJ because they need all the RHD help they can get and Subban has been a solid 2nd pair dman this year. Only way I make the trade is with the Larsson and Foote moves done. At that point you are getting 2 players who are more defensively sound and higher upside than PK at this point so it makes sense to move him. I could see Drouin improving on a line with Hughes and Holtz. And if he doesn't then you cut your losses and let him walk in 2 years no harm no foul.

VAN: It seems like Holtby's value is about even maybe slightly negative so that's what I tried to do here. NJ and VAN swap about 20ish draft spots and in the process VAN gets that salary off the books and NJ gets a vet goalie who has been mediocre but might be able to find his game again.

Signings:
Hamilton is no doubt the best defenseman available but might not be the best move. He is (rightfully) going to demand serious term and serious AAV and while NJ can do so I don't know if they should. If they draft Luke Hughes in this scenario, they are looking at a future D core with premiere offensive talents (Smith+Hughes) along with Severson who is primarily a puck mover. Instead of having Hamilton, who plays a similar game, taking up major cap 5 years from now, I'd rather make some shorter term moves to solidify the defensive part of the game and eventually hand the reigns over to the Smith/Hughes/Bahl/Foote/Walsh/Mukhamodullin/Vukojevic generation.

With that in mind Martinez might be at the top of my FA wishlist this year. He could immediately step in and stabilize a top pair. He has a winning pedigree, leads by example on the ice, and has been playing competitive playoff hockey throughout the last decade. And while I'm sure playing for VGK is a big part of it, his offensive #s this year are extremely impressive. He's an older player so the term won't come close to Hamilton. I'd back up the truck if I'm NJ and give him a big AAV on a 2 year deal. Biggest issue is I can see him wanting to win at this point in his career. NJ would have to sell him on why they are ready to be competitive and also structure his deal with protections and an agreement to move him at the deadline to a contender if NJ is out of it. Even if it was a short marriage I would love for him to step in and show the young defensemen what effort it takes on a nightly basis to win.

Larrson isn't what he was supposed to be but hes solid. And at this point thats what I want on the Devils right side. It's why I prefer him over Subban who plays a more dynamic offensive style but probably isn't best characterized as "steady". NJ's left side is ripe with young players and prospects. Smith, Bahl, Okhotyuk, Mukhamodoullin, Hughes (theoretically). I need stable veteran offensive players on the right to balance that and help young players grow. I think Larsson could help Bahl make the transition to the NHL next season, whereas a Bahl-Subban pairing gives me major anxiety.

Coleman: I don't know, this is probably 75% heart 25% head. Hey, he's a good player and he brings great energy. Bring Pickles home.

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