If NJ is looking for someone to build around and not a rental, I wonder if Newhook might be a fit. He's now used as a 2nd line winger, and has played plenty of center both in Montreal and Colorado.
He hasn't found a clear role in Montreal so I could see them moving on if they plan on resigning Evans.
He cost Montreal a very late 1st and a very late 2nd (ie, picks 31 and 37), i expect they would hope for a similar return, though youngish players would be a better fit for the Habs rebuild.
Everything you said is true and I agree. This year is why I suggest it won't be a 1st, regardless of writing. He has 1/2 the league to agree to with his M-NTC. Tor is always mentioned with Nelson but they have less $ than my Devs and no 1st this yr.I don't know what to tell you, he's a 30 goal scoring center that plays well away from the puck too. He's a proven playoff performer. He's having a down year, he's definitely snakebitten and will still return a good haul. My guess is he's been on the Island his whole career and the writing's on the wall and it's affecting his game.
Haula to IR just announcedI think it’s more likely the Devils look to get someone of a better quality than a 3C. I’d rather a get a forward who could potentially play center for Hughes-Bratt or move down to 3C if you want to run three centers deep.
I do wonder if Fitzgerald maybe looks to go off the board with his options to grab a veteran with some term. Something like Kadri with retention might be rough by the end of his deal, but he would be an incredible addition for the next couple years.
Haula is having a rough year, but I’m not totally convinced he’s regressed. I think his play has more to do with the Devils third line just not meshing well at all.
I know this a 3C thread so not trying to hijack but any interest in getting Palms back?Everything you said is true and I agree. This year is why I suggest it won't be a 1st, regardless of writing. He has 1/2 the league to agree to with his M-NTC. Tor is always mentioned with Nelson but they have less $ than my Devs and no 1st this yr.
Backlund if somehow available would be my number 1 target. Talk about a guy who tilts the iceWhat would the Devil's offer for Coleman and Backlund? They have great chemistry together and are dynamite both 5 on 5 and on the PK.
I think C or LW are more likely targets. They’re pretty set at RW.I know this a 3C thread so not trying to hijack but any interest in getting Palms back?
Yes I think Nelson is 1st, if we miss on him, Palms is 2nd. 3/4 C is almost as important, especially now that our bottom 6 has gone quiet. Boh Isles players would be great, but no cap space for those kind of movesI know this a 3C thread so not trying to hijack but any interest in getting Palms back?
You can have Mika Zibadejad for a 7th?
There's also the TDL thing where a GM thinks they have a legit Cup chance but they really need a C. Two other contenders also really need a C. If the GM doesn't pony up and gets beat out on a top C, he still has a hole at C and his competition got better. So he pays the 1st to improve his team and prevent the competition from improving.I don't know what to tell you, he's a 30 goal scoring center that plays well away from the puck too. He's a proven playoff performer. He's having a down year, he's definitely snakebitten and will still return a good haul. My guess is he's been on the Island his whole career and the writing's on the wall and it's affecting his game.
Trent Frederic?the Devils are in desperate need of another center. Erik Haula looks toast (0 pts since Thanksgiving) and he is dragging down the rest of the team.
They have three 2nd round picks in 2025 to dangle plus other pieces. Lets keep it realistic and not ask for Nemec or Silayev or something (unless its for a young player with term).
Who would fit the bill that is available?
I’ve actually been thinking about Miller in NJ but it would have to be something like Miller with 1-2 million retained by Vancouver for something like a 1st, Nemec, and Palat if he’ll waive.What about JT miller, a 1st, some seconds, Mercer, Nemec, and Tatar for cap reasons.
It would imo make the devils favourites to win the cup and they can move miller up and down the lineup and even put him on the wing, or they can have an elite 1-2-3 C of Hughes, Hischier, and Miller.
Why not Elias LindholmCan Geekie fill a role of being a 3rd line center ? I'd be interested in him.
We are not gonna eat any salary Miller and his production more than worth his contract and is probably going to be worth it at least for the 3-4 years at minimum, and with the rising cap and the fact we already have enough dead cap space we would not be retaining. Also no way we take back Palats contract that is a cap dump that the Canucks wouldn't be willing to take on, the devils can afford to make this deal without sending pallet back they could send Tatar and mercer instead which would be more equal value considering the production.I’ve actually been thinking about Miller in NJ but it would have to be something like Miller with 1-2 million retained by Vancouver for something like a 1st, Nemec, and Palat if he’ll waive.
Relieves Vancouver of most of the Muller contract and gives them a first and a top 4 RHD of the future. The reason Vancouver eats 1-2 million is because of Miller’s age.
Miller at 6-7 per year for the next 7 years is a tough contract to take on but should get some help with scoring for the next 3-4 years at least. Also adds more grit which has helped the Devils take the next step this year. NJ also risks damaging the locker room if what some say about Miller is true.
I fully expect both sides to hate this but I think it works. Honestly not sure I’m even sold myself.
Fair enough. No deal can or will be made with NJ then. Figured I’d take a shot on value but that’s as high as I’d ever be willing to go for a 31 year old.We are not gonna eat any salary Miller and his production more than worth his contract and is probably going to be worth it at least for the 3-4 years at minimum, and with the rising cap and the fact we already have enough dead cap space we would not be retaining. Also no way we take back Palats contract that is a cap dump that the Canucks wouldn't be willing to take on, the devils can afford to make this deal without sending pallet back they could send Tatar and mercer instead which would be more equal value considering the production.
They really wouldn't have had the cap space to handle this weeks and months ago in certain situations. Even still, probably waiting until closer to the deadline as the team accrues cap space.I don't mind Fitz and the way he's built the team, but he's overly passive in season. This issue should have been dealt with weeks ago, instead he's still sitting on his hands.
This will likely mean he has to overpay for a player because it's evident he needs to make a move.
Absolutely wild price for a 31 year oldWhat about JT miller, a 1st, some seconds, Mercer, Nemec, and Tatar for cap reasons.
It would imo make the devils favourites to win the cup and they can move miller up and down the lineup and even put him on the wing, or they can have an elite 1-2-3 C of Hughes, Hischier, and Miller.