I feel like NJ would be best off by just drafting a player at #2 over trading it. Unless they truly believe they’re one piece away from making a playoff push. I have no idea who they’d target. Like JT Miller? He’s a rental so it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Scheifele only has 2 years left, is he worth it to NJ? I’m not sure; they already have Hughes and Nico. Maybe Laine? Like I’m just trying to even think of guys that could be moved.

I vote we draft. I'm good with either Slaf or Cooley....the fans that simply want to focus on why the other guy sucks and their guy is awesome is annoying as hell as both guys could be great.

There aren't many players that could be moved that are really worth the 2OA. They're supposedly making a list of players that they'd consider moving for. From all the rumors I just don't see it. None of Vancouver's players are worth it. I get Miller is incredible but his age doesn't fit with the core, especially enough to give up assets for. I can see Fiala but Minn would have to add. Debrincat is right value wise but I'd personally rather draft Slaf.

The only name I've been seeing floating around that'd be a slam dunk is Matt Tkachuk, it'd be 2OA plus a lot but still worth it. Less than a 5% chance he's ever moved, playoff teams dont trade under 25 players who score 100 points, but I can see it if contract negotiations go real bad this summer.

Point is Devils aint moving this pick unless its for a point per game player under 26 with team control.

I say we draft
It seems like in whatever 2nd overall trade proposal I see, either we're not getting a good enough return or that player would cost much more
Keeping the pick is the safer option

According to ACGMers, the options appear limited. Names I have seen put out there: Josh Anderson, Conor Garland, Steven Lorentz (!), and a few rentals.

In reality, the 2nd overall pick could likely bring back a serious return, ones that Devils fans dare not mention. There is a reason these picks are never traded. They have enormous value in cap era.

Most of the often discussed names (like Fiala, Boeser, Chychrun, Nylander, Meier) will certainly be available for the pick.

I am guessing, the chances for the pick are roughly

85% we make the pick (Cooley or Slafkovsky)
7% we trade down a couple of spots
5% we trade down more than a 2 spots
3% we trade the pick outright for a player

My vote would be to take Cooley, Nemec or Slafkovsky.

Unfortunately the two guys that fit that description are both RFAs

There's 2 players I'd want but I know it will be the 2nd overall pick and more. Those guys are Matthew Tkachuk and ..... Quinn Hughes. But both Vancouver and Calgary aren't trading them. I agree though, let's just draft Slafkovsky.