My preference would be to get a 2024 1st round pick that is top 10 protected. It could still be a really good pick this year if the devils finished where are in the standings today (set to pick 12th overall). That’s within range of picking Iginla and could be packaged along with other assets to move up into the top 10 if Conroy really wanted to get a certain player. I really think this season is a one off for New Jersey and I could definitely see them finishing in the top 5 of the NHL next season with a healthy roster and Markstrom in net.
Either way, it seems to me the best method to make the trade work would be to make it a 2024 pick that is top 10 protected. If the pick is in the top 10, the flames would get their 2025 pick with limited (maybe lottery protection) or no protection.
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