None of the above. I like Ty Smith, but he can't be the center piece of a Boeser deal. The deal would need to center around NJ's first, Holtz or L. Hughes. I can't see NJ giving up their first or Luke, so Holtz+ 2nd round pick for Boeser and Poolman works. Or Holtz + 2nd pick + Zacha for Boeser + late round pick.

If that's too high of a price, Smith could be the center piece of a Garland trade.

Devils are 100% not trading a top-5 pick, or any of their A+ prospects.
And I'd think Canucks fans, if they were in our shoes, would say the same. No?

If we are to believe the rumors, Zacha and Smith are targets for Vancouver.
I doubt Devils would move both guys as it would probably be one of them along with a lesser prospect or pick.

Where I think it probably stands....

Devils fan bid......Zacha
Devils GM bid......Zacha, 2nd
Fair price..............Zacha, McCarthy, 2nd
Canuck GM ask...Zacha, Smith
Canuck fan ask....Zacha, Luke, 1st

"None of the above... The deal would need to center around NJ's first"

... But there are multiple trades up there with NJ's first involved?

Yeah, there is a very wide range of returns on the menu here.

It would be ideal if we had a second pick in 1st round to use in Boeser deal.
But offering a top-5 pick or an unprotected 1st in 2023 shouldn't be considered.

Maybe there is a scenario where we trade for a late 1st to swap to Vancouver.

That's why Garland might be a better target vs Boeser

Maybe. It kind of sounded like our GM had been pursuing Boeser for a while and maybe got redirected to Garland.
I also think Garland could cost us more considering his contract certainty.

In terms of price...(or return for VAN)...
Re-signed Boeser > Garland > Pending RFA Boeser

I don't think there's a thing as pending RFA Boeser. I don't think NJ or anyone else does that deal without talking to Boeser's camp.

But he is a pending RFA. He will need a new deal one way or another. But I agree acquiring team should at least talk to him before they make trade. But not all selling teams would allow that (I don’t think Devils do). Has Vancouver said they would allow it?

It's common practice. It would be odd if they didn't and there's zero chance NJ does the deal without taking to Boeser's agent. The risk that he walks 1 year after signing his qualifying offer is too big and would be a firing offence.

I am with you on all that. At a minimum to know what he wants, would be open to re-signing.

NJD hasn’t allowed it with some UFAs in the past, but all different situations. I think some teams walked away from Taylor Hall for that reason. With UFAs, some teams will ask for that conversation just to get a head start on the field for next off-season (without intention of trading for that player).