[SemicolonD]

Reading through the Devils board on HF was interesting. Many people have given up on the season after this last loss but surprisingly most people weren’t blaming goaltending and thought Daws got hung out to dry by a poor effort by everyone else. Apparently Jack Hughes is playing injured and losing Hamilton has kind of put pressure on a fairly young D corp that it can’t handle.

In my opinion Markstrom would give them a better chance to be in every game even if Devils fans don’t think the blame is on Daws, but my main point is actually that along with him the Devils need Tanev’s leadership and effort level to lead by example. He’s the perfect fit for a young team that’s going through growing pains and would steady that team as much as Markstrom would. If Fitz can pull it off that’s one way to save a season where their fans are clamouring to fire Lindy Ruff and give up altogether.

Personally I felt the returns for Markstrom to be kind of far fetched but once you add Tanev I feel like the returns become more realistic.

Side note, I even read one comment about scratching Mercer so that surprised me and kind of gives credence to him being dangled for Markstrom even though that’s an overpay in my eyes.

But ya for both players it would basically go like this in my opinion:

1st for Tanev
Mercer for Markstrom
Casey for retention (as rumors have indicated for Conroy’s ask for retention)

I’m not sure if the Devils can pull that off cap wise so they’d throw in say Vanacek and a 4th as a sweetener for taking him, maybe one that’s conditional and becomes a 3rd if they get to the Finals or something.

I’d prefer not to take Vanacek at all as that’s what Conroy has apparently said from earlier comments here. But you do it if it’s needed.

The comments saying a 1st + Mercer + Casey for a 50% retained Markstrom still seems really hopeful but when you add Tanev it makes sense and I think that’s a haul you’d take to the bank if someone proposed it just last season.

Reading HF really made it seem that a Markstrom trade would be a desperation move by Fitz though and they didn’t seem confident at all with their team. But if they can add Markstrom AND Tanev that changes everything.