Nope, that’s not getting you Werenski. Too much quantity, not enough quality.

I would love this deal from Devils perspective.
But if Columbus is selling Werenski, it likely means they are going full rebuild.
Which means it will cost our own 1st pick this year...(and maybe a defensive prospect and center prospect).

Something like Bahl, Boqvist, 2021 1st

Gonna be expensive

Nothing Major

Goes out and trades for Werenski

I feel like IF COlumbus was to think about trading Werenski, it's likely to focus on more quality assets instead how more assets. I'd imagine it starts with an A prospect, so likely 1 of Holtz or Foote would have to be going to other way. Probably would include another close to top guy as well, but including both of those would likely lower the pick.

I'd expect New Jersey to have to offer something closer to:


Zach Werenski


Alexander Holtz
Kevin Bahl
2022 3rd round pick (becomes a 1st if Werenski finishes in the top 3 of Norris voting)


Would have to be tweaked a little from there, but 23 year old top 4 defenceman don't come cheap. Pair Werenski with the right guy and he could instantly become a legit top 2 guy, which definitely don't come available often and cost a ton to get if they do

If they're rebuilding, they're gonna want top prospects, not second tier ones like Boqvist. It'd have to start with either Foote or Holtz

Trade for Caleb Jones this year and have Seth join as an UFA next. The hell with paying their ask for Wer!
We need a rhd more anyway!

Boqvist was the 3rd piece in my hypothetical deal.
It was a 2021 1st that is likely top-5 pick.
Kevin Bahl, a highly rated defensive prospect.
And Boqvist.

That is a pretty sizable offer.

Also, if I were Columbus, I'd ask for Mercer over those two since he can play Center.
And he has had a better D+1 season that Holtz.

Not saying it's terrible, but you're asking for a guy that's almost a top pairing, if not already a top pairing defenceman that's 23 and has multiple years of team control left. Those come at a price you don't wanna pay, and Columbus would ask for a top end offensive prospect to start, which again would be Foote or Holtz. If not, I'm sure many other teams would pay better than your offer. LA has been rumoured to be looking for a top pairing left handed defence to play with Doughty, they have at least half a dozen better forward prospects than New Jersey does. So if Werenski becomes available, you'd better be ready to beat their offer or you won't be getting Werenski

Not saying that Mercer wouldn't be asked about in talks, but saying he had a better D+1 year isn't true. Mercer played against kids his own age and younger. Holtz consistently played against men that are older than him in the SHL and AHL and still put up almost half a point per game in both leagues. Holtz is the better prospect

Holtz is better prospect, but he had less than stellar season.
Mercer on the other hand, had a great year despite on/off again season due to covid.
And the whole 'played against men' isn't a factor at all.
The Q < SHL. No doubt.
But that shouldn't take anything away from Mercer's growth this year.

There is IMO no plausible scenario that has New Jersey having all three of Werenski, Hughes, and Hischier on the same team.