why..why would devils do that trade? there is not one logical reason. If you want subban, pay for him, not vice versa.

We are not going to pay to sell Subban.
Now that his last bonus is paid, he has plenty of value.

Why are the Devils paying to get rid of Subban?

Not to the point that teams will pay big to get him. Regardless of actual money to be paid out by a team (2M$), his cap hit is the bad part. Now, I wouldn't ask for the 2nd pick on that deal, but NJ have been reported as being active on trying to move him out. Cap retention and getting a couple of good players and maybe a 3rd round pick would be better, but NJ ain't going to get 2X 1st Round picks for him. Just look at Eichel, Sabres fans think he's worth 4X 1st round picks.. No GM is going to pay for that at the contract value plus medical condition not being shared with those who would want him.

While Subban is ready to go, he still has that 9M$ cap hit. So NJ will need to retain cap, which is easy to do since they have lots of space plus it's only for one year so they don't get hit with it next year.

The teams who have the cap space to bring him in aren't teams that would want him since they are probably in reconstruction or not even close to being in the playoffs. So NJ needs to lower their expectations but get good returns on him. Do the trade that best suits your needs that is being offered. As I said, NJ have the cap to retain lots without compromising their future salary hit, so they may take that hit.

I don't think MTL would go for it unless they meet with him first since they traded him away... But still for us fans.. Would be cool to get him back ..

Remember that this is being talked heavily in the media, NJ don't actually need Subban right now, they signed Hamilton, Graves, they have Smith and Serverson. They can keep him for one year and lose him to UFA, but I always feel like teams, unless that player is an asset for the cup, they lose when players leave for nothing. Habs should've traded Tatar, Even for a 3rd or 4th or 5th pick.. If you know he ain't coming back and he isn't part of your plans, then move that asset for something.

Subban ain't in the future NJ plans from what is being told, so why not see what you can get, and move on something? They could then make a one year offer to Benn or Chara to round up their 3rd pair in case someone gets injured for a 1 to 2M$ salary. you'd get good leadership in Chara and a solid defender that can come in anytime to rectify any holes you have on the blue line.

Lets try it from fellow Habs fans POV

He's an Expiring UFA so if they're going to sell its at the TDL when lack of options see's contenders over pay to teams willing to Retain salary.
Subban could get them overpaid same way we held of Plekanec til the TDL getting back a 2nd and two AHL prospects we flipped for Kulak

No upside in them moving him out now unless someone makes it worth it for them as the lack of RD at TDL almost guarantee them a 1st round return.
Imagine if TBL made a move for Subban at the TDL . Really there will be a lot of options for him come TDL

I hear what you are saying, but Subban at $4.5 million AAV and $1 million real dollars (50% retention) should still return and pretty decent pick or player at deadline if Devils are out of playoffs. From the Habs, I’d think Josh Brook plus a mid-pick or something similar. Maybe a 1st if Devils throw in a later pick.

Right. With half his contract retained, for 1/3 of a season, the cap hit isn’t as much of an issue. And if he plays this year like he did for most of last year, the Devils should find someone willing to move a late 1st for him.

But if Devils are anywhere near playoffs, they will likely keep him. We have plenty of picks and prospects already and could use more experience in meaningful games.

Which is why I think the odds for his future are:

10% chance he is dealt before season
20% chance he is dealt at deadline
45% chance he plays out contract and leaves as UFA
25% chance he re-signs in NJ (with lower AAV and term)

Points taken, but keep in mind these armchair GMs are to see what COULD be dealt now, not at TDL.

Completely understand both your points. And yes, it could be better for NJ to just keep him on until that day, but you also bet that his points and +- are going to be good. If NJ aren't contenders this year and fall flat, Subban's return could drop if he's not helping out more. It's the chance GMs need to take.. A gamble on what their player could get them in the future.