I think both sides are probably trying to evaluate what happens in the off-season
- For NJ does the price go down because it's one less season of retention, and the lack of the trade deadline pinch point?
- For Calgary does the price go up because there are potentially more suitors with more cap space to deploy? For instance does Philly enter the fray. Or is the price less because the lack of trade deadline leverage.
- And for Calgary, as Bingo has noted, is there motivation to move Markstrom to ensure a top 10 pick next year. (which might happen anyways just because the blueline absent Hanifin and Tanev will be god awful)
I just can't believe NJ is choosing not to address this. Obviously I say that not knowing the offers on each side but they should be in their contention window, and capitalizing on some of the cheaper entry level deals they have on key players. Allowing the lack of netminding to undermine that would frustrate me insanely if I was a Devils' fan when it is so clear that it is the very thing that is holding the team back.
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