Usually I say a starting goalie isn't worth more than a 1st round pick but, this trade is definitely worth it for NJD.
They could get picks if they wanted for Toffoli at close too or more than a 1st rounder in value but getting that elusive #1 tendy is more pressing

Why is a selling team getting a rental? They can just sign him for free over the summer.

Unique thought on the Vancouver deal. I think Vancouver does it.

You could make the same argument with Boston and Lindholm or Nedeljkovic.

I do think there is an argument that if there is long term interest in him, acquiring him now gives you the ability to negotiate between now and July 1st. My guess is he’ll have plenty of suitors and Pittsburgh wouldn’t be tops on any list.

Ultimately, this isn’t the part of the deal I’m super interested in.

Boston is a playoff team. Pittsburgh isn't. Not a close comparison. Contenders should get rentals. Sellers have no business taking rentals unless it is to flip them.

I do too. A solid wing plus two seconds could make a ton of sense.

I’ve thought of another scenario where Boston offers DeBrusk (retained) and Toffoil with one second for Lindholm and Lafferty

PIT and NJ decline

VAN does as well. They are in a rock and a hard place with Lindholm. To move him is to admit failure and take the loss. It's more likely they will ride that out.

As for PIT, they aren't trading for rentals LOL. What kind of homerism is that. They will take picks for both of those guys and build for the future.

NJ won't be paying anything for a goalie when their season is already over. They will keep their pick and trade Toffoli, for a pick. They will solve their goalie issue in the off season.
BOS will probably want to move Ullmark in the offseason to dump that cap hit if Swayman is the guy going forward. So if NJ is interested they will look into it then at a far cheaper price where cap space is a more valuable commodity.

Devils accept but would probably prefer to retain 50% and change that 2nd into a 3rd