Ok. I will start with Markstrom. I am told the deal with the Devils was not as close as Mr. Seravalli likes to say it was. Yes, there was an agreement on most aspects of the deal but the hang up with the Devils is not about retention or even the compensation for that retention, it is the difference between Holtz and Mercer. Holtz is the main piece that the Devils are dangling in a goalie trade, the Flames are insistent on Mercer. I know the Devils did reach out to the Predators about Saros to see if there was a deal there and they are in the same mindset, Mercer has to be in the deal. The Devils absolutely want Markstrom over any other netminder but they are at a stalemate here and unless the Devils budge it isn't getting done. I have maintained all along it will take an overpay to get Conroy to move Marky and that won't change, he feels no pressure to deal Markstrom right now. I also mentioned the Devils were looking for another piece and we all speculated Rooney but I think that other piece might be Hanifin as I am told there is multiple packages they have discussed, that could be why Sec said it was complex.
As for Hanifin there are 4 teams he will do a sign and trade to or will sign an extension with, Tampa Bay, Florida, Boston, and New Jersey. The team he wants to go to is not Tampa Bay as was reported by someone else, it is the Panthers. Him and Chucky are very close and Tkachuk is pushing hard over there to get a deal done for him. The problem is similar to the Mercer-Markstrom situation only its Lundell, the Panthers are saying no on him right now. I am hearing TB does not want to include their 2026 1st so I can't see them being in it as they have no assets of interest to the Flames. I don't think there is any legs to Hanifin going to Dallas, I am sure they have seen what the price tag is for both D men but they are hot on Tanev. Boston is also pretty cold on Hanifin, they know the clock is running out on this group soon and they are already low on future assets. They don't want to go any deeper there and while Hanifin would be nice to have he is not a desperate need for them. If he gets to market then they can look at him when it doesn't cost them. As for the Devils like I said, I believe they have talked to the Flames about a package deal, I don't see NJ going out to just get Hanifin alone. Right now if I was a betting man I would put my money on Conroy holding out until Florida budges.
Chris Tanev has a boatload of interest with Dallas leading the charge. Despite the risk he could get hurt, Conroy will continue to slow play this player right until the deadline or someone offers a 1st rnd pick. The thing is with Conroy I could see him start to get offers with a 1st included and despite the risk I could see him still delaying to try and squeeze just a bit more from someone. Of all our assets I feel like this one could take the longest that will move.
As for others I have heard teams have poked around Vladar but nothing offered and Mangiapane is very open to being moved but there is no interest from anybody there.
All I have right now guys, have fun discussing.
