Zacha for Samsonov or Vanacek

You can have Dobby for free and we’ll even give you guys a 4th as a consultation prize.

I was just about to suggest a trade with Zacha and Vanecek as the base. It'd help both teams.

...what I am hoping for



...what probably happens

To be honest, I don't think you want Soderblom at this point. It's not that he's a bad prospect...in fact I like him. It's more that he's just not ready right now.

I actually like that
His contract is the only problem though

Hammond will be on waivers once Allen is healthy.
Cheap, no commitment, and something to prove.
Enough to get you to the off season and avoid getting pressured into a trade.

Wonder if they call on Dorion for Anton Forsberg. Having an extremely strong season this year.

It’s only for one more year, but I get that the cash is the issue. It all depends on how tight NJ will be against the cap next year.

I mean do they want a real goalie or just a dude to stick in net to get shelled.

Mrazek ?

The Leafs could use the cap space.

There's really no point in NJ actually getting a starting goalie with Blackwood out, they aren't making the playoffs this season. Just get someone that can hold them over until offseason and reassess then. No point in moving any type of assets.

Korpisalo could be an interesting option for them. Has struggled in Columbus the last few years, so give him an opportunity with another team to find his game and if he clicks then you extend him, if he doesn’t you let him walk. He could be traded for like a 4th or a lower round pick or some low level prospect who probably won’t amount to anything.

1. Why add in a lost season?

99 times out of 100, I would agree with you. But this young Devils team is often doing everything else right. We are getting shots, scoring chances, and on most night, goals. Our defense is in the top-half of league of limiting shots, opportunities. We are 8th best at limiting high-danger scoring opportunities, but 31st in goals allowed. The complete disaster in net could harm these kids' development.

2. Why add a goaltender for future seasons?

Blackwood has the potential to be a #1. But the way he came in to this season (completely unprepared), the lack of maturity he showed during the season (not saying anything when he was hurting), and his play on the ice ....all lead me to conclusion, we cannot put all our eggs in that basket. He needs to earn the #1 job. He hasn't. We should be starting from scratch.

There are a couple rental names that I considered adding, but started with guys who fit the description of players Fitzgerald said he would be adding at deadline. Young and can help long-term.

An example from recent interview

Dubas has said he doesn't move goalies mid-year.
If Mrazek becomes an option for Devils, I would think in off-season once we have a better prognosis for Bernier.

I agree with you, he hasn't been good, I drafted him in fantasy thinking the Devils we're going to grow a lot this season. What do you suggest they do? Realistically, they should be looking for a goalie similar in age looking to prove himself as well. How likely is it the Devils find someone like that in the middle of the season? Not very likely. I disagree with the idea that it'll hurt the development of the young players. Hughes took a huge step this season, Bratt looks great, Hischier is starting to find his groove. It's just growing pains.

Yes, optimistic take is that it’s a learning experience for all them, Blackwood especially. But there have been so many examples of games where we will be playing well, one bad goal, then we’re on our heels.

I think we should add a cheap veteran UFA and then sign a #1 in off-season. Otherwise, just roll with Daws and Schmid. But Fitzgerald has been consistent in saying he won’t buy veterans or rentals.

Anything is better than putting Gillies out there as our #1. He has lost the confidence of his teammates. And it makes me think we may actually be tanking on purpose…which is not good. Means we are 3-4 years away from competing.

Is it meant to be a short term option until Blackwood returns?

I am kind of merging two ideas into one

(1) Lebrun’s report that we are aggressively looking for a goalie. He did not elaborate on short-term v long-term.

(2) Our GM’s consistent public comments about not buying rentals or picks. He wants young players of Jack and Nico’s age.

Hence, younger(ish) goalies.

NJ needs a proved NHL goalie, not another unproven goalie prospect (already have 2 of those). I don’t see some of the names mentioned here making sense for that reason

What is available though? A handful of washouts, a few rentals, some bad 3rd stringers…

I am 100% with you in finding an established #1. But not sure any of those are available. Would have to wait until free agency.