2023/2024 Trade Rumors and Speculation Thread

[SuperMatt18]

The Markstrom trade is a tough one because Mercer and a 1st feels like a huge overpay at first glance...

But 25% retention is worth about $3.0M over the two seasons, and taking on Vanecek as a cap dump is another year at $3.4M.

So that's about $6.4M of total cap savings for NJD ($4.9M of that in a single season) - which is worth about a 1st based on other cap transactions.

So then all of a sudden Mercer + 1st + Vanecek (cap dump) really doesn't seem like it's out of the realm of possible for Markstrom at $4.5M.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

The Markstrom trade is a tough one because Mercer and a 1st feels like a huge overpay at first glance...

But 25% retention is worth about $3.0M over the two seasons, and taking on Vanecek as a cap dump is another year at $3.4M.

So that's about $6.4M of total cap savings for NJD ($4.9M of that in a single season) - which is worth about a 1st based on other cap transactions.

So then all of a sudden Mercer + 1st + Vanecek (cap dump) really doesn't seem like it's out of the realm of possible.

I thinkbthe deal must be bigger than this. Hanifin or tanev are probably going as well.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

The Markstrom trade is a tough one because Mercer and a 1st feels like a huge overpay at first glance...

But 25% retention is worth about $3.0M over the two seasons, and taking on Vanecek as a cap dump is another year at $3.4M.

So that's about $6.4M of total cap savings for NJD ($4.9 of that in a single season) - which is worth about a 1st based on other cap transactions.

So then all of a sudden Mercer + 1st + Vanecek (cap dump) really doesn't seem like it's out of the realm of possible.

But also that the Devils need this move to help their team now, and the Flames aren't actively shopping the player.

Pretty different from a situation where the selling team has to get rid of a player for the potential that they walk in the summer and have to pick a destination/package.

The Flames can just keep rolling with Markstrom if the offer isn't to their liking.

[transplant99]

I just dont see where there is a need on NJ's end to acquire Hanifin or Tanev.

On the right side they have Nemec, Hughes, Disimone, Marino and Hamilton (when/if he comes back)

Unless one of those guys are coming back in a deal, I just dont see the fit from their perspective.

[Matty81]

Maybe they are waiting on Markstrom to waive or Hanifin to hammer out an extension but seems like this negotiation may still be ongoing on given it hasn't been announced today?

I'd be happy with even just one of Holtz or Mercer for Markstrom, anything else is gravy and not expecting a 1st as well unless there is massive retention. Moving out a 34 year old on a larger contract for a player who could be an important part of the flames future for a decade is a big win.

[Matty81]

Originally Posted by transplant99

I just dont see where there is a need on NJ's end to acquire Hanifin.

On the right side they have Nemec, Hughes, Disimone, Marino and Hamilton (when/if he comes back)

Unless one of those guys are coming back, I just dont see the fit from their perspective.

Isn't Hanifin a lefty?

EDIT, yeah he is..... really just seeing Hughes as a quality LHD on their roster. Hanifin would probably be paired with one of Nemec or Hamilton. Makes me wonder about Marino long run though if they acquire him

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Matty81

Isn't Hanifin a lefty?

Yes....and i am a putz.

No idea what i was thinking.

Carry on.

[stemit14]

I’m not familiar enough with the Devils prospects and roster… do they have the players to replace Mercer and/or Holtz if they were to trade them for Markstrom and/or Hanifin? Just curious as an organization.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by transplant99

I just dont see where there is a need on NJ's end to acquire Hanifin or Tanev.

On the right side they have Nemec, Hughes, Disimone, Marino and Hamilton (when/if he comes back)

Unless one of those guys are coming back in a deal, I just dont see the fit from their perspective.

They are super deep on defense when healthy for sure...

Left Shots:
Siegenthaler
Hughes
Bahl
Smith

Right Shots:
Hamilton
Marino
Nemec
Miller
DeSimone

Depends on how you view Siegenthaler, is he really a top 4 LH dman, or would you rather have Hanifin.

So really if they are making a move it's likely trying to add something to Siegenthaler to upgrade his spot to Hanifin...more than moving Nemec.

Meier - Hughes - Toffoli
Palat - Hischier - Bratt
Nosek - Haula - Bastian

Hanifin - Hamilton
Hughes - Marino
Bahl - Nemec

Markstrom
Daws

If you move Mercer/Holtz you lose your depth at forward...but man that is for sure the making of a real strong playoff contender with an elite d-core, strong top 6 centers, and strong goaltending.

[Royle9]

Traction seems to have stalled :/ was hoping for something today.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by stemit14

I’m not familiar enough with the Devils prospects and roster… do they have the players to replace Mercer and/or Holtz if they were to trade them for Markstrom and/or Hanifin? Just curious as an organization.

The Devils organization is one of the most chock-full talent pools in the league.

They have Hughes and Hischier down the middle locking up their top 2C positions and Mercer has pretty much been pushed to the wing playing in the bottom half of their roster.

They would be dealing from a position of strength and can afford this move. And if we're honest, getting the goals against down is going to do a lot more good than shedding Mercer is going to hurt them.

That is, if they have aspirations for playoffs.

[JurassicTunga12]

I'm guessing nothing will happen until at least after the games tomorrow.

[Matty81]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Yes....and i am a putz.

No idea what i was thinking.

Carry on.

Your point stands about their D depth though, loads of dmen. If

Hughes-Hamilton
Hanifin-Nemec

becomes their top 4 then they're moving on from Marino. Could see it happening though, he's a smaller non-physical dman who doesn't produce a ton of points and they could return decent assets for him. They probably keep Marino until offseason and move him then once they get Hamilton back

I think Hanifin would be a big upgrade on him.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Matty81

Your point stands about their D depth though, loads of dmen. If

Hughes-Hamilton
Hanifin-Nemec

becomes their top 4 then they're moving on from Marino. Could see it happening though, he's a smaller non-physical dman who doesn't produce a ton of points and they could return decent assets for him. They probably keep Marino until offseason and move him then once they get Hamilton back

I think Hanifin would be a big upgrade on him.

You don't even have to move Marino this offseason, you can work Nemec in and shelter him a bit with Bahl.

Bahl has one year left at $1M, Hughes has a year left on his ELC after this season, and Nemec has 2 years after this one on his ELC...so those three are going to combine for less than $3M in cap hit next season and Marino only costs $4.4M. So you have 4/6 of your d-core locked up for $7.4M next year.

Hanifin - Hamilton (probably an elite top pair)
Hughes - Marino (been the top pairing most of this season due to injury)
Bahl - Nemec (the second pair recently due to injury)

When Hughes / Bahl need big raises after next season you might feel a bit of a squeeze but you give yourself a couple years window to win with them & Nemec being very cheap.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

But also that the Devils need this move to help their team now, and the Flames aren't actively shopping the player.

Pretty different from a situation where the selling team has to get rid of a player for the potential that they walk in the summer and have to pick a destination/package.

The Flames can just keep rolling with Markstrom if the offer isn't to their liking.

Yeah, “okay, well… I guess we can talk about this again at the draft? Good luck this post season…”

[saillias]

If you guys are hungry for gossip/rumors the 960 morning show (Rusic & Rose) had Kypreos on yesterday and Seravalli today. Both chats are worth a listen.

Both guys seem to be suggesting that Markstrom is willing & open to moving because he wants to win and sees the direction they're going in moving the UFAs.

Seravalli today suggests there is nothing new that's happened in the last 24 hours on that front. Yes he is completely contradicting the flurry of interest and rumors posted on here last night.

They differ on Hanifin. Kypreos suggests Hanifin as a young UFA is very attractive. Seravalli keeps saying there is not much interest.

[2ArmBands]

Damnit I need something! Even a baseless gif will do!

[SuperMatt18]

I have no faith Seravalli has any clue what's going on since he came out and said that Hart and Dube leave of absence weren't related.

[Matty81]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

You don't even have to move Marino this offseason, you can work Nemec in and shelter him a bit with Bahl.

Bahl has one year left at $1M, Hughes has a year left on his ELC after this season, and Nemec has 2 years after this one on his ELC...so those three are going to combine for $3M in cap hit next season and Marino only costs $4.4M. So you have 4/6 of your d-core locked up for $7.4M next year.

Hanifin - Hamilton (probably an elite top pair)
Hughes - Marino (been the top pairing most of this season due to injury)
Bahl - Nemec (the second pair recently due to injury)

When Hughes / Bahl need big raises after next season you might feel a bit of a squeeze but you give yourself a couple years window to win with them & Nemec being very cheap.

Yeah it's a fair approach, I just wonder if Nemec is going to be satisfied as a 3rd pairing dman beyond a year or two, but he probably could use some polish.

The other piece is their cap management. Once Dougie's 9 million comes off LTIR they have 19 million left in space to sign 9 players next season. If that group includes Hanifin, Markstrom, Toffoli and Nico Daws getting a raise too could be very tight and moving Marino at the draft might make sense.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Matty81

Yeah it's a fair approach, I just wonder if Nemec is going to be satisfied as a 3rd pairing dman beyond a year or two, but he probably could use some polish.

The other piece is their cap management. Once Dougie's 9 million comes off LTIR they have 19 million left in space to sign 9 players next season. If that group includes Hanifin, Markstrom, Toffoli and Nico Daws getting a raise too could be very tight and moving Marino at the draft might make sense.

Seigenthaler ($3.4) + Vanecek ($3.4M) would open up $6.8M, with Markstrom taking $4.5M of that (assuming retention).

It probably means they couldn't afford re-signing Toffoli unless he was willing to take the same salary as he has now.

It's why I actually think Mercer is more likely than Holtz in any trade now...Holtz has another year on his ELC while Mercer is probably costing at least $3M as a RFA. Saves them some money.

Hanifin ($7M) - Hamilton ($9M)
Hughes ($0.9M) - Marino ($4.4M)
Bahl ($1.0M) - Nemec ($0.9M)

Markstrom ($4.5M)
Daws ($1.5M)

That's a very affordable backend and goaltending tandem at ~$30M of what's going to be an $88M cap next year, so you'd have $58M to fill out your forward group which seems doable (their forward group right now costs $52M). They likely would have to make some decisions up front but I think they do try to shop Palat / Meier in the offseason potentially.