Going to need a RHD once we move PK. Pkg them for someone on the right.

Smith -> RD
Bahl and/or Mukhamadullin -> LD

I maybe a Leafs fan, bit I absolutely love this Jersey team. I have said to friends I think they hang around the playoff hint THIS year longer than people think.

A long term top 6 that, if all goes to plan, just maybe one of the best in the NHL in 2 years. Hughes and Hirscher as a 1A-1B option enter the same conversations as Petterson and Horvat, Mc Jesus and Draistl (ok, they are on a different level), Scheifle and Dubois. The depth on wings is insane, as is the C depth (noting Zacha can slide back if need be).

Fitz's work on the blueline has been fabulous. Although they will need a RD after PK exits, it is a 3rd pairing RD - which are very easy to find right now. (Smith and Graves balance out the LD sooooooo well).
Depending on how Smith's game grows this year, the 3rd pairing very well be put together internally, but a savy vet signing could move the needle again. For that matter moving Johnsson for a similar contract works too. Fitz has options.

Blackwood for remains the biggest question mark. I say this knowing he has the game, but with a much improved blueline and forward unit, improved numbers should also follow suit. If Blackwood remains Blackwood of 20-21, I think this may become the biggest offseason need. If we see Blackwood 19-20, well, look out.

People spend a lot of time talking about the Rangers rebuild (and it's been impressive) but this Devils rebuild has been 100% on point over the last few years.

I like the Pettersson/Horvat comp for Hughes/Hischier. But now with Mercer as 3C, and Sharanogovich as a natural center, Zacha and Kuokkanen with experience at center and McLeod playing his 4C role well, its their depth at that position that is so appealing to me.

As for RD, Hamilton surely helped. I am guessing they re-sign Severson eventually. Ty Smith plays a lot of RD, Luke Hughes has played pretty much only RD of late. And Case McCarthy, Reilly Walsh, Christian Jaros can all be candidates for 3RD. Bahl and Mukhamadullin will add to left side.

Blackwood is certainly a question mark (other than Brodeur, I don't recall having a goalie that wasn't). But Daws and Schmid project to be NHL goalies, with some upside. Schmid, based on his season last year, looks to be a little more promising.

A lot of optimism in NJ

Yeah I have mention in other posts smitty on the right side So you have him with Bahl and Muka here?

Dunno haw they will fall ultimately...

But I think Bahl figures into future more than Jaros

This team has so many options moving forward.

Sure, cap will become an issue at some point, but Fitz has done a great job with managing that thus far, with shorter term deal etc.

Still a lot of financial flexibility here.

Signed

A jealous Leafs fan