It's an interesting idea.

But, as a fan of neither team, here are my thoughts:

1. The Avs move cap space

2. The Avs get younger

3. Arguably, the Avs with Holtz do get the best offensive player - albeit that has yet to be proven.

4. With Colton, the Devils do add a more physical element. Same with Manson.

5. With Colton, the Devils do add more flexibility in the middle 6 (specifically with Haula and Colton).

So, where one could see the possibility of this working for both sides; I would say that this current construct is far more beneficial to the Avs.

Therefore...... something I think maybe missing. Perhaps a conditional pick? It really is the Holtz factor. If he realizes his potential, this is a slam dunk of a home run deal.for the Avs..... and I don't see Fitzgerald allowing that to happen. What this is, is a good ole fashioned hockey deal in the making which adds elements to both line ups..... but the Avs are simply missing something in that package for me.

Well laid out comment. I agree with pretty much everything here, including that Colorado adds.

I also really like the suggestion of a conditional pick. Something based on whether Holtz pops makes sense. Would need to think more about what that might look like, but the logic is sound.

So from an NJ Standpoint, I'm fine with the shakeup of getting rid of Marino since we have too many RHD's and I do love Colton's play but I definitely value Marino higher. He's a legit top 4 shutdown dman who can provide a little offense here and there. Marino also goes through random stretches where he's dominant but not consistently enough to be considered a game breaker. Colton on the other hand is a 3rd line guy who provides grit with a pinch of offense. NJ doesn't really have a use for Manson since they're so deep at RHD and are really only seeking a shutdown LD that fits in the top 4 and I'd move Siegenthaler for that but it has to be a longterm viable replacement option or I'd just run with Siegenthaler again and hope his issues last year were just some mild struggles amidst the bigger team issues. That being said, Colorado adds if its just the Marino for Colton and I don't think Holtz is on the table unless its a top 6 version of Colton or a Legit 1A to elite goaltender. NJ would add it it was either of those.

Feels to me like the avs would have to add significantly, especially because of their cap crunch.

I like Colton but NJD shouldn’t be paying more than Colorado paid, which was a 2nd.

And I don’t think I’d want to get older in a Marino for Manson swap.

Imo at minimum a 1st would have to come back to NJD for us to accept, but I’d rather just offer a 2nd+4th for Colton and keep it simple

Not bad. I personally prefer to keep Manson but hey Marino would be a fine replacement. Yes, Colorado definitely adds at least a 3rd or so. I do have a couple grievances against this lineup tho. For one, I don't think Drouin touches that deal...at least not the term. Maybe he does a bridge deal with that but no way he does that money for 4 years. Secondly, you're assuming a lot goes well with Ritchie taking 3C right away, and idk about Kovalenko at center. Am open to trying him there tho

Yeah I can see holding onto Holtz for a larger deal. I made a Devils ACGM (not published), and I like the looks of it. Looks very balanced and there is the added benefit of having Manson's deal off the books when Nemec gets his raise. But I get your point.



What do you think Holtz is worth at this point? He obviously has potential, but there is quite a bit of risk there too. I am having a tough time valuing him with those factors.

I could maybe add a 1st, but it would have to be conditional on Holtz popping. Not sure what the conditions would be for that, but it's too risky to add a first if there wasn't some downgrade in the pick if he doesn't start to produce.

I’d just keep it simple…Colton for Holtz. Maybe a pick swap added if anything.

Deal. But can we also do another simple one with Manson for Marino with a pick swap or something, lol.

Stick with bird-in-hand

I value Holtz equivalent to our 2025 1st+2025 2nd or so when throwing him into trades, but I wouldn't trade him for a package of picks.

In terms of NJD assets:

Mercer>2024 1st>Holtz>Marino>Casey>Siegs>2025 1st>Gritysuk>2nd>Bahl>3rd or something along those lines is how I value them.

Yeah fair enough. I expect NJD to give Holtz 1 more year unless a blowaway trade occurs with a team who values him significantly.

I very much like the idea of Colton, but feels like he would be a guy who I'd acquire with a pick, not a Holtz.