Its a young blueline. Playoffs next year may be too steep a climb.

With 3 vets in Roy, Fowler and Gudas and Mintyukov no longer a rookie it’s more experienced. I’d say if they replace Lacombe with another vet , it gives them an even better chance

Why would the Devils move an ELC for a late 1st like this? Might as well play him.

Assets can be flipped for a better player or used to replenish the pool

I guess, but then having a late 1st in a pretty meh draft, I don't know if it has the kind of value Holtz does. All those picks are late in each given round. The Devils need to consider their cap situation next year and would be better to hold onto a cheaper player. Not that I think they will be up against the cap, but rather setting up 25-26 better than having any more bloated contracts like Palat.

No thanks on spending all that on Holtz, just use that to trade up for MBN who is more a Verbeek style anyways

Too much for Holtz m, who has a lot left to prove, and not worth it for NJD either. They’d rather have the young forward on an ELC.

Roy is fine, but we need an elite RW (Stammer 🤞)

Even still, doubtful this team is playoffs without at least one more year of development for the kids. None but McT can win a faceoff, the defense has a long ways to go, and the team needs to prove they can score more

Holtz isn't returning no 1st, 2nd, 3rd round pick. Not even close.

Matt Roy and his wife just had their first child, It's been mentioned that they want to be near their folks full time. So if he doesn't re-sign with LA I see him coming home to Detroit for a better possibility he's not signing in Anaheim.