Interesting

Bratt isn’t worth a top pick

His playmaking ability is on par with McDavid imo

Says the rags fan lol

I’ll do the pick for Bratt (comes with an extension) straight up. I’m not interested in Mantha or any of the centers. I would be open to taking a right winger back and absorb the full cap hit to make the money work.

Am I wrong

Tbf Mantha is the only right winger that’s expandable that can play top six

Yes, you are. Even in this year's stacked draft there are players in the top 10 that will not turn out as good as Bratt.

Very tempting just because of how good this draft is, but since NJ is planning to contend right now I can't see NJ doing this.

The Devils would be losing a 24yr old winger with back to back 30g 70p seasons, and nothing they'd receive in this trade would replace that production for next season.

Ok

Yes. Why would you think otherwise?

Mantha would have to be on his off wing, which is not optimal when you’re deploying him on the ice. I think using one of your three 2025 2nds to dump Mantha for a late pick would probably make more sense cap wise instead of retaining. You need every dollar available, especially with the stringent cap rules in the NHL.

I think we agree in principle Bratt for Pick #8. That #8 pick won’t make an impact on the roster for another 2-3 years and that equates to how many runs you have left with the core you have now. Ovi-Strome-Bratt as a top line puts you back in the playoffs immediately next season and gives this Caps team the extra push they need to make another run. Plus, when they officially start the tank and truly start the rebuild, they can always flip Bratt for futures.

Now from a Devils perspective, I think there’s plenty of ways to utilize Pick #8. They can afford to be patient with the team. Moreover, you have also you have to be pretty high on Holtz if you’re making this trade because it creates a gap in the Top 6 and you hope Holtz can take over full time.

Poor playoff performance

What do you mean exactly, when you say poor performance?

Wanted to add more to the discussion, but what are your feelings on Hendrix Lapierre?