Boston definitely matches that for Boqvist and I would guess Mercer's next deal is a bit higher than that

Fitz's job is essentially on the line next year, so I can't see him going into next season with that goalie tandem, in spite of them playing relatively well this year. Besides that, I like the moves.

Fitzgerald should operate to make the team in the best possible spot. If a goalie like Ullmark is available at a reasonable price, go for it. But I would strongly hope he doesn't overpay on a goalie just for the sake of some casual fans and a percieved risk of losing his job (which I don't think he will regardless)

Just let me have my Glorious king Jesper Boqvist

I get what you're saying, but I think you're looking at this too narrowly and not seeing the big picture, because if you think Fitz is 100% safe even if they miss the playoffs again next year, I think you're wrong. This team just missed the playoffs by a fairly significant margin, primarily due to poor goaltending.

Were there other factors involved? Sure, but goaltending was the biggest issue and Fitz was the one who failed to address that position both in the offseason and during the season. Forget casual fans. If Fitz doesn't add a proven veteran starter in net and goaltending costs the team a playoff spot again, Devils ownership is not going to be okay with that. Failing to address a position of weakness 2 years in a row is a fireable offense. Plus, at the TDL Fitz alluded to making a big move in net during the offseason so I think he knows he's gotta do something.

I think this is a team good enough to make the playoffs with ease. But if you want to add Ullmark for example and pay for retention I wouldn't be opposed to that. I've kept all of our 1sts and top prospects for a move like that if it comes at the right price

* primarily due to injuries
* secondarily due to inexperienced/ineffective blue line

We didn’t have the goaltending to make up for said issues, so it just left them exposed. But if we aren’t fixing the core issues, it really doesn’t matter what goalie is standing in the crease.

1. Address Blueline. We need to get a year older, a little stronger, a little more durable, cleaner on d-zone exits, more focused on puck protection. Hughes and Nemec looked great, but are still very young. Bahl has some very serious puck control issues that need to be addressed.

2. Add some size/speed bottom-6ers. We were much slower than last year…(with McLeod, Wood out of lineup and replaced with Nosek and Tierney). We also need some heavier play in corners and in front of net.

3. Get stronger, healthier, fitter. Fitzy talked about this at his recent media availability. A big focus in off-season will be physical preparation.

4. Add depth. As we saw this year when we were deep into our lineup, we need a deep roster, especially on blueline.

If we can do all those things, I think we will be okay with average-to-decent goaltending. But if we can do all those…and add a good goalie, even better.

And going from Vitek+Schmid+Daws to Allen+Kaapo+Schmid+Daws (schmid and daws a year older now) is a significant upgrade. It's not like we're running vitek out there. Kaapo Kahkonen has looked good in NJ.

If we fix the other issues and goaltending is still a problem, then you overpay for a goalie. If you are 1 piece away, I am MORE than in support of overpaying to get that piece. But we are not 1 piece away. The bottom 6 and D need to be fixed

Very easy no for the Avs. Meh prospect and a late 2nd won't get Colton. Cap crunch or not.

It would be the better of the 2 2nds, and would happily replace hatakka with a 3rd if you want

Even then wouldn't be close. Colorado gave up a high 2nd just for Colton's rights.

I'd say a 2nd+3rd is very similar to pick 37 but I could be wrong. If Colorado decides to move Colton, let NJD know what the highest bid is and we'll likely be happy to beat it.