2023/2024 Trade Rumors and Speculation Thread

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Bonded

The Devils are basically in the same spot as the Flames right now with playoffs. Do they bet on Markstrom taking them on a big winning streak if they lose these next two games or just wait till the offseason.

They are in the same place in the standings, but for opposite reasons.

The Flames are a bottom third team that is being hauled up the standings by a goalie.

The Devils are a top third team that is being dragged down the standings by bad goaltending.

If only there was something to be done about this...

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

So far there has been a host of reasons this fell apart from a variety of sources both internal to CP and externally abroad from hockey insiders within media.

- Flames were unhappy with the media leak and the deal fell through in part to annoyance from that
- Flames ask is too much, Mercer is a no go
- Flames unwilling to retain on contract or aren’t happy with the offer for retaining


I think if there is this much smoke, it’s bound to get done, especially for the recent Brodeur sound bites of Marky recently. The reasons above are all valid for why this hasn’t gotten across the finish line, I also think Conroy is a savvy GM early on here looking to make a name for himself. He’s not going to take these decisions lightly and I’m applauding his firm hand so far, it will be very important to keep the ship steady as he navigates the retool and I think he’s creative enough to make it happen.

I don't think the first reason is probable, because there were just as many leaks on the Flames' side(based on everything the insiders posted here).

I think it's a combination of 2 and 3, the Flames are willing to retain, but want something like a first for the retention alone.

I also think this gets done. If NJ doesn't want Markstrom, then I'm going to Ottawa first, then Colorado, Philadelphia, and Carolina.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

Brodeur named his top 5 goalies in the NHL right now.

Vasi
Shesterkin
Sorokin
Hill
Markstrom

Originally Posted by getbak

2 recent Cup winners, the starters for the other 2 NYC area teams, then Markstrom. Make it happen, Marty.

This sounds an awful lot like Brodeur publicly telling Fitz what to do.

I don't think it's a coincidence that he listed 2 cup winners and 2 NY goalies. Brodeur is saying our rivals have good goalies, and we don't.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

It's not always about winning the cup. It's also about progression of the team.

They have a ton of young talent. They had a great start to the year last year, but tripped up in the playoffs - learning experience. This is a push-forward year, but it is being derailed by a single problem. Losing breeds losing and bad habits. If I am the GM of a young talented team, and I can see a solution to pushing them to the next level, I am doing it 100%. And not doing it is a fireable offense (a phrase I hate)

But they aren't tanking, and they are not losing at an alarming rate. They played playoff hockey last year and they are playing big games down the stretch this year. I think they should look to add, they have the assets. They are just not desperate to make the move and should not make bad trades just because we have a goalie who is hot right now. Mercer is a good young player and IMO he is worth Markstrom. Adding good prospects and 1sts and whatever else is being thrown out there is enough if I was a devil's fan to want my team to walk away.

Conroy might get more but could over play his hand too.

Devils could stand pat or make a move with a different team, and still make the playoffs.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

This sounds an awful lot like Brodeur publicly telling Fitz what to do.

I don't think it's a coincidence that he listed 2 cup winners and 2 NY goalies. Brodeur is saying our rivals have good goalies, and we don't.

Don't forget Kevin Weekes flat out saying Brodeur told him they need a goalie

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by gvitaly

I don't think the first reason is probable, because there were just as many leaks on the Flames' side(based on everything the insiders posted here).

I think it's a combination of 2 and 3, the Flames are willing to retain, but want something like a first for the retention alone.

I also think this gets done. If NJ doesn't want Markstrom, then I'm going to Ottawa first, then Colorado, Philadelphia, and Carolina.

There will be more teams interested in Markstom in the off-season. The draw of a deal with the Devils now is they’d get the value of - and be willing to pay for - a an extra playoff race and a shot at another playoffs, compared to 2 seasons that teams trading for him in the off-season will get.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

They are in the same place in the standings, but for opposite reasons.

The Flames are a bottom third team that is being hauled up the standings by a goalie.

The Devils are a top third team that is being dragged down the standings by bad goaltending.

If only there was something to be done about this...

Oh I get it but if Conroy is asking for a Holtz + a 1st for Markstrom and then Casey plus something else for the retention and playoffs are out of reach then the Devils can punt it to the offseason where cap opens up and they’ll have more options. The pressure to do it now is to make the playoffs this season. If management deems it a lost cause then they are better to spend less assets and address later.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Did you watch the game?

Igor was really, really good.

I think that's actually what drives the Devils need for a goalie.

One of your biggest rivals, the team you beat in round 1 last year, and the team you're likely going to have to face if you make the playoffs this year has Shesterkin & Quick in net who have been a great tandem this season.

For the Devils any path to the ECF over the next 2-3 seasons likely goes through New York, and I don't think you want to be going into any playoff series against Shesterkin (and his .929 playoff save percentage) with your current goaltending.

Yet if you look just a week prior it was Markstrom that pretty much gave the Flames any chance in what was a good goaltending match up vs. Shesterkin.

It's kind of interesting actually because Markstrom has given the Devils some pretty good looks against some familiar Eastern conference opponents the last two weeks (Boston x 2, Devils, Rangers, Islanders) to see what he could bring to the table for them.

It's actually what worries me a bit at this point...because if they haven't bit and met the demands to this point I doubt they ever will. And I really like them as a trade partner even without Casey being part of the deal.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Bonded

Oh I get it but if Conroy is asking for a Holtz + a 1st for Markstrom and then Casey plus something else for the retention and playoffs are out of reach then the Devils can punt it to the offseason where cap opens up and they’ll have more options. The pressure to do it now is to make the playoffs this season. If management seems it a lost cause then they are better to spend less assets and address later.

So who is going to be a legit starting goalie once the season is over that will be available that isn't now? The answer is nobody, it will be the same guys. There are 3 options for the Devils, you pay the price now and have a shot at the playoffs, you pay the price after the season and miss the playoffs, you don't pay the price and miss the playoffs again next year because you didn't address your goaltending.

[Sylvanfan]

There wss a guy named Kevin Woodley from In Goal magazine on Edmonton sports radio yesterday and he was really bullish on New Jersey making a move for Markstrom. Noted that for a team with the Devils defensive metrics that he could really turn things around for them. Gregor asked him about Saros instead, and this guy said no, they need to get Markstrom.

He also crapped on Gregors idea that Jack Campbell was as good as Jake Allen. He kind of squashed a lot of Gregors homeristic takes...he's probably going to be taken off the guest list. FWIW this guy did say he thought Wolf would become a good goaltender, but right now Markstrom is the only guy in the league who can mask the Flames defensive short comings.

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by gvitaly

I don't think the first reason is probable, because there were just as many leaks on the Flames' side(based on everything the insiders posted here).

I think it's a combination of 2 and 3, the Flames are willing to retain, but want something like a first for the retention alone.

I also think this gets done. If NJ doesn't want Markstrom, then I'm going to Ottawa first, then Colorado, Philadelphia, and Carolina.

Our leaks were more like; assistant or admin says Conroy is on the phone lots with Fitz. That’s nothing but fun.

The details came from the other side.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

I'd be lying I'd I said I didn't enjoy the Markstrom show every night.

It isn't a bad substitute for having very few elite plays by elite players at the other end.

That said.... make the damn trade.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

So who is going to be a legit starting goalie once the season is over that will be available that isn't now? The answer is nobody, it will be the same guys. There are 3 options for the Devils, you pay the price now and have a shot at the playoffs, you pay the price after the season and miss the playoffs, you don't pay the price and miss the playoffs again next year because you didn't address your goaltending.

Maybe Nashville hasn't really shopped Saros and he tells them he doesn't want to re-sign after all and he is available for a cheaper cost. One of the Boston goalies could become available. It could also be as simple as the Flames and Devils will never agree to a trade with significant retention and the offseason gets them there without needing it.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Bonded

Maybe Nashville hasn't really shopped Saros and he tells them he doesn't want to re-sign after all and he is available for a cheaper cost. One of the Boston goalies could become available. It could also be as simple as the Flames and Devils will never agree to a trade with significant retention and the offseason gets them there without needing it.

Saros has already been put on the market, the rumours for him on an expected return are the same as Markstrom, it's the same price. Boston isn't moving a goalie, their biggest strength is having a two tier goalie system. Even if they did the Bruins almost certainly move Ullmark and keep Swayman, so guess what his price is going to be? Yup, at least the rumoured return for Markstrom and Saros, probably more. There is no scenario here where NJ waits it out and gets a legit workhorse #1 goalie for cheap.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I think that's actually what drives the Devils need for a goalie.

One of your biggest rivals, the team you beat in round 1 last year, and the team you're likely going to have to face if you make the playoffs this year has Shesterkin & Quick in net who have been a great tandem this season.

For the Devils any path to the ECF over the next 2-3 seasons likely goes through New York, and I don't think you want to be going into any playoff series against Shesterkin (and his .929 playoff save percentage) with your current goaltending.

Yet if you look just a week prior it was Markstrom that pretty much gave the Flames any chance in what was a good goaltending match up vs. Shesterkin.

It's kind of interesting actually because Markstrom has given the Devils some pretty good looks against some familiar Eastern conference opponents the last two weeks (Boston x 2, Devils, Rangers, Islanders) to see what he could bring to the table for them.

It's actually what worries me a bit at this point...because if they haven't bit and met the demands to this point I doubt they ever will. And I really like them as a trade partner even without Casey being part of the deal.

Yeah, absent Markstrom the Flames lose to Dallas - a team which in turn would have no chance beating Calgary absent Oettinger. Goaltending is by far the biggest factor in a team's success.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

So who is going to be a legit starting goalie once the season is over that will be available that isn't now? The answer is nobody, it will be the same guys. There are 3 options for the Devils, you pay the price now and have a shot at the playoffs, you pay the price after the season and miss the playoffs, you don't pay the price and miss the playoffs again next year because you didn't address your goaltending.

And Conroy isn't going to just drop the price for the Devils in the summer.

[Badgers Nose]

I’d love a haul of assets but I’m really really ok with keeping Marky.

Rebuilding with some hope and fire beats the alternative. Waive Vladar and run with Marky/Wolfy at 60/40 ratio and if things go well for Wolfy next season then switch to 40/60 the following season.

Tanev and Hanifin sweepstakes is enough entertainment. Next year it will be Kuz, Shark and Bread. Plenty to look forward to.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

And Conroy isn't going to just drop the price for the Devils in the summer.

Nobody is dropping the price on their #1 goalie in the summer.

[dustygoon]

I’m starting to think Sarravelli doesn’t realize he is being used. Reaching levels of sophomoric propaganda now.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by Badgers Nose

I’d love a haul of assets but I’m really really ok with keeping Marky.

Rebuilding with some hope and fire beats the alternative. Waive Vladar and run with Marky/Wolfy at 60/40 ratio and if things go well for Wolfy next season then switch to 40/60 the following season.

Tanev and Hanifin sweepstakes is enough entertainment. Next year it will be Kuz, Shark and Bread. Plenty to look forward to.

Kuz and Bread.

Shark can make himself comfortable.