Value of: 3C to New Jersey

[My3Sons]

31 is not old anymore players still can produce into their mid 30s just look at Tavares, Elite players can stay elite for a while and also the Price is not wild at all, this makes the Devils better now and the Canucks better later, for the devils only trading one valuable roster player in Mercer and getting back Miller is a steal the rest doesn't effect the Devils for attest 3-4 years. You have your top 2 RD spots filled and Casey has surpassed Nemec on the Depth chart, Mercer is replaced by Miller, and the 1st and second are valuable but do not help the Devils now and those picks are going to be late.

The price imo is fair and I were the devils I would easily do this trade considering the current window the devils are in.

Tatar Palat and Haula are all examples in NJ that taking on players in their 30s is a bad gamble.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

The ideal 3C candidate is Yanni Gourde. Perfect fit at the 3C for NJ and a proven playoff style performer.

That deal would just have to wait until the deadline, for NJ to accrue cap space (and still require retention).

I thought I had seen the Kraken fans say that Gourde is much better suited to play wing nowadays, but I honestly don't know if that is true or not. Either way, I would love to have him.

 

[HBK27]

I'm not looking for a sizable move, I've never once mentioned anything of the sort. I want a sign of life from the GM, this could be getting a 4th liner for a draft pick, claim someone on waivers. just do something that shows he's invested in this season.

Hell, like I said before I'd be satisfied if he put MacDermid, Bastian or Tatar on waivers as a wake up call.

So you want Fitz to make a move just for the sake of making a move to appease impatient fans like yourself?

Putting a guy on waivers as a “wake up call” for the team is an extremely bad idea. Not only do you potentially lose an asset, but it could have repercussions in the locker room and obviously impacts the player himself on a personal level.

But at least Fitz would be “invested in this season”, whatever the hell that’s supposed to mean.

 

[Smitty426]

Kevin Bahl has been a monster this year. Basically replaced Tanev. Although he’s not as good as Tanev on the PK, but than again I don’t know if there is a better PK d in the league than Tanev.

Great news and good for him. He was a marshmallow on NJ, I called him being traded all season.

 

[dgibb10]

31 is not old anymore players still can produce into their mid 30s just look at Tavares, Elite players can stay elite for a while and also the Price is not wild at all, this makes the Devils better now and the Canucks better later, for the devils only trading one valuable roster player in Mercer and getting back Miller is a steal the rest doesn't effect the Devils for attest 3-4 years. You have your top 2 RD spots filled and Casey has surpassed Nemec on the Depth chart, Mercer is replaced by Miller, and the 1st and second are valuable but do not help the Devils now and those picks are going to be late.

The price imo is fair and I were the devils I would easily do this trade considering the current window the devils are in.

"Casey has surpassed Nemec on the Depth chart". He really hasn't tho.

You are asking for a price that is reserved for 24 year old superstars for a 31 year old.

Tell you what

Dougie Hamilton (1 mill retained) for Lekk (you don't have a comparable young roster player), 1st, 2nd, and Willander.


You are asking for more than Jack Eichel got.

 

[McDuffz88]

31 is not old anymore players still can produce into their mid 30s just look at Tavares, Elite players can stay elite for a while and also the Price is not wild at all, this makes the Devils better now and the Canucks better later, for the devils only trading one valuable roster player in Mercer and getting back Miller is a steal the rest doesn't effect the Devils for attest 3-4 years. You have your top 2 RD spots filled and Casey has surpassed Nemec on the Depth chart, Mercer is replaced by Miller, and the 1st and second are valuable but do not help the Devils now and those picks are going to be late.

The price imo is fair and I were the devils I would easily do this trade considering the current window the devils are in.

Miller just isn't a good fit for NJ at all. Our biggest hole is 3c. Miller doesn't fill that. If we traded for him there's 0 chance he's going to be happy being pushed to the 3rd line long term. 0 chance Nico or Jack gets pushed to 3rd line. So you force Miller into the top 6 as a winger/center. But that still leaves is with a giant hole at 3rd line center. Besides that if we lost Mercer we are missing an entire 3rd line because our 3rd line is non existent right now. Ideally what NJ's need is a true 3rd line center and a winger. If we do that then Haula becomes our 4th line center, we move down Cotter and run of a 4th line of
Cotter-Haula-Lazar which is a good 4th line. I also don't believe Casey has moved up the Depth chart over Nemec. Has Casey put up great numbers in the AHL? Absolutely. Has he shown he can score goals in the NHL? Sure. He has much more to prove than that. Nemec had an outstanding rookie season and played all situations for the entire year looking dominant. Only reason why he isn't in the NHL is because he started the season injured and our dmen look so good that if it's not broke don't fix it.

 

[Ruutu Tootoo]

Haula is a 55% FO guy, that is valuable.

If the Devils put him on the Fourth Line between Lazar and Cotter I wouldn’t hate it.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

So you want Fitz to make a move just for the sake of making a move to appease impatient fans like yourself?

Putting a guy on waivers as a “wake up call” for the team is an extremely bad idea. Not only do you potentially lose an asset, but it could have repercussions in the locker room and obviously impacts the player himself on a personal level.

But at least Fitz would be “invested in this season”, whatever the hell that’s supposed to mean.

Calling MacDermid, Tatar and Bastian assets is a stretch.

What I mean by invested in the season is, not just saying “the bottom 6 hasn’t been good enough” and actually do something about it

 

[canuckslover10]

"Casey has surpassed Nemec on the Depth chart". He really hasn't tho.

You are asking for a price that is reserved for 24 year old superstars for a 31 year old.

Tell you what

Dougie Hamilton (1 mill retained) for Lekk (you don't have a comparable young roster player), 1st, 2nd, and Willander.


You are asking for more than Jack Eichel got.

Well if the Canucks were a Hamilton away from being cup contenders I wouldn't be opposed to it, the only issue is we aren't, also you still would have Luke Hughes, Silayev, and Casey while the Canucks prospect pool is bare so trading either of those would empty out our cupboard,although for you guys it wouldn't even make a dent.

As far as i'm concerned this would benefit New Jersey a lot more considering the lacklustre playoff performances of your teams in the past, and I doubt Miller would complain about deployment at least for this season, next season he might but a trade of Palat or Haula and signing a 3C solves that problem, especially considering teams are going to be struggling to reach the cap floor with the rising cap.

Assuming we don't trade Petey, Miller would be the best available player at the TDL, and New Jersey would be dumb not to take a deal like that if the opportunity presented itself.

 

[OtherThingsILike]

We have a Kevin Hayes. He just played as a 3C in our most-recent game and scored a goal.

 

[HuGort]

Jake Evans would be a good target. Just ignore the Habs fans saying for a 1st rounder. If he's not extending in Montreal a 2nd+ should be enough I'd imagine, and he's having an excellent season. Could be a number of teams willing to grab him or Brock Nelson so maybe the cost runs up a bit with the plsu to the 2nd.

Habs not trading Evans. He's having career year. Montreal hold a playoff spot. Especially for a lousy late first.

 

[seabass45]

Well if the Canucks were a Hamilton away from being cup contenders I wouldn't be opposed to it, the only issue is we aren't, also you still would have Luke Hughes, Silayev, and Casey while the Canucks prospect pool is bare so trading either of those would empty out our cupboard,although for you guys it wouldn't even make a dent.

As far as i'm concerned this would benefit New Jersey a lot more considering the lacklustre playoff performances of your teams in the past, and I doubt Miller would complain about deployment at least for this season, next season he might but a trade of Palat or Haula and signing a 3C solves that problem, especially considering teams are going to be struggling to reach the cap floor with the rising cap.

Assuming we don't trade Petey, Miller would be the best available player at the TDL, and New Jersey would be dumb not to take a deal like that if the opportunity presented itself.

They could use those assets towards someone like Brady Tkachuk, who is younger and a better fit.

Thank goodness Miller wouldn’t complain about his deployment for half a season though lol, very generous of him.

 

[Smitty426]

If the Devils put him on the Fourth Line between Lazar and Cotter I wouldn’t hate it.

This might be the answer
Nate and Tuna out
3C added

 

[HBK27]

Well if the Canucks were a Hamilton away from being cup contenders I wouldn't be opposed to it, the only issue is we aren't, also you still would have Luke Hughes, Silayev, and Casey while the Canucks prospect pool is bare so trading either of those would empty out our cupboard,although for you guys it wouldn't even make a dent.

As far as i'm concerned this would benefit New Jersey a lot more considering the lacklustre playoff performances of your teams in the past, and I doubt Miller would complain about deployment at least for this season, next season he might but a trade of Palat or Haula and signing a 3C solves that problem, especially considering teams are going to be struggling to reach the cap floor with the rising cap.

Assuming we don't trade Petey, Miller would be the best available player at the TDL, and New Jersey would be dumb not to take a deal like that if the opportunity presented itself.

What lackluster playoff performances?

This core has been to the playoffs once in 2023. They beat the Rangers in grueling 7 game series against their biggest rival and then started round 2 less than 48 hours later against a rested and experienced Carolina team. Prior to that the Devils haven't been to the playoffs since 2018 when Taylor Hall's MVP season carried a team that had no business being in the playoffs. Only Nico and Bratt remain from that team and Bratt played in just one of those playoff games.

JT Miller to the Devils makes little sense. Devils don't need to acquire another top 6 center when they already have Jack and Nico, and Miller would surely not be happy playing 3rd line minutes. The acquisition costs being floated here are way to high and he's about to turn 32 which doesn't really align with the Devils window. I don't know much about how Miller is in the locker room, but there's enough smoke around that issue that I'd rather avoid it - particularly since the chemistry of this Devils team has been talked about very positively.

 

[Xirik]

Habs not trading Evans. He's having career year. Montreal hold a playoff spot. Especially for a lousy late first.

Devils don't have their 1st this year.

It's good to see a fan wanting their team to be in the Playoffs even if they would probably be last years Washington Capitals.

 

[HellOnIce]

What lackluster playoff performances?

This core has been to the playoffs once in 2023. They beat the Rangers in grueling 7 game series against their biggest rival and then started round 2 less than 48 hours later against a rested and experienced Carolina team. Prior to that the Devils haven't been to the playoffs since 2018 when Taylor Hall's MVP season carried a team that had no business being in the playoffs. Only Nico and Bratt remain from that team and Bratt played in just one of those playoff games.

JT Miller to the Devils makes little sense. Devils don't need to acquire another top 6 center when they already have Jack and Nico, and Miller would surely not be happy playing 3rd line minutes. The acquisition costs being floated here are way to high and he's about to turn 32 which doesn't really align with the Devils window. I don't know much about how Miller is in the locker room, but there's enough smoke around that issue that I'd rather avoid it - particularly since the chemistry of this Devils team has been talked about very positively.

Let's give this guy a break. He knows Quinn is coming here in 2 more seasons.

 

[canuckslover10]

They could use those assets towards someone like Brady Tkachuk, who is younger and a better fit.

Thank goodness Miller wouldn’t complain about his deployment for half a season though lol, very generous of him.

No way Brady Tkachuk is even gonna touch the market.

Also Miller being a good soldier for half a season and the playoffs is what you would want, you don't want an 8 million dollar 3C for the rest of his contract, you would slide him in the 1LW or 2LW spot above Mier and Palat and your team is easily better for it.

Maybe even trade a player like Palat to a team trying to reach the cap floor and get 2 3rd liners and you've got great depth and versatility amongst your forward group.

 

[canuckslover10]

What lackluster playoff performances?

This core has been to the playoffs once in 2023. They beat the Rangers in grueling 7 game series against their biggest rival and then started round 2 less than 48 hours later against a rested and experienced Carolina team. Prior to that the Devils haven't been to the playoffs since 2018 when Taylor Hall's MVP season carried a team that had no business being in the playoffs. Only Nico and Bratt remain from that team and Bratt played in just one of those playoff games.

JT Miller to the Devils makes little sense. Devils don't need to acquire another top 6 center when they already have Jack and Nico, and Miller would surely not be happy playing 3rd line minutes. The acquisition costs being floated here are way to high and he's about to turn 32 which doesn't really align with the Devils window. I don't know much about how Miller is in the locker room, but there's enough smoke around that issue that I'd rather avoid it - particularly since the chemistry of this Devils team has been talked about very positively.

Well you were slotted to be cup favourites and only reached the 2nd round and got smacked by the Hurricanes, Miller would give you an elite 1-2-3 Center core like how the Pens had with Crosby-Malkin-Staal idk why you would not want that?

With the rising cap and elite players being able to play well into their 30s (Tavares,Crosby,Ovi,and Kopitar) why you would want the centre core is beyond me and it fit with the Devils window of 3-5 years of cup contention.

Also Chemistry of locker rooms barely ever has an effect on the ice, The reason the Canucks are playing average at best is because we have no top four defensemen outside of Quinn Hughes and Hronek(who is injured for another month or month and a half.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

No way Brady Tkachuk is even gonna touch the market.

Also Miller being a good soldier for half a season and the playoffs is what you would want, you don't want an 8 million dollar 3C for the rest of his contract, you would slide him in the 1LW or 2LW spot above Mier and Palat and your team is easily better for it.

Maybe even trade a player like Palat to a team trying to reach the cap floor and get 2 3rd liners and you've got great depth and versatility amongst your forward group.

Way too many moving parts to do this kind of deal. You've got them sending out numerous players from their bottom 6 which is their biggest issue right now. In addition you've got them sending Palat to a team trying to reach the floor, I'm pretty sure Palat says no thanks to that.

To summarize, they'd be trading basiclly all their draft picks (a 1st and a few 2nds), their top prospect (Nemec) and 2 players out of their bottom 6 (Mercer and Tatar) and have them realistically only adding Miller. They'd still have no cap space to add anything in the bottom 6 nor would they have any ammunition to acquire these players. They'd be forced to use MacDermid, Dowling and other AHL players to fill out the bottom 6. This isn't giving them great depth, it's decimating it.

 

[canuckslover10]

Way too many moving parts to do this kind of deal. You've got them sending out numerous players from their bottom 6 which is their biggest issue right now. In addition you've got them sending Palat to a team trying to reach the floor, I'm pretty sure Palat says no thanks to that.

To summarize, they'd be trading basiclly all their draft picks (a 1st and a few 2nds), their top prospect (Nemec) and 2 players out of their bottom 6 (Mercer and Tatar) and have them realistically only adding Miller. They'd still have no cap space to add anything in the bottom 6 nor would they have any ammunition to acquire these players. They'd be forced to use MacDermid, Dowling and other AHL players to fill out the bottom 6. This isn't giving them great depth, it's decimating it.

you could trade One of Haula or Palat that open up cap space for two roster players and you can use your picks to get two 3rd liners retained also Im pretty sure it was just one second and if it wasn't then thats a mistake its only supposed to be one second.

Miller replaces Mercer, if Haula gets traded then you still have your 2 2nds to try an add 3rd liners for a retained deadline price, you would be able to strengthen your forward core quite easily, Trading Palat probably happens in the Offseason or a buyout.

Also I know he has draft Pedigree but Nemec is not your top prospect Silayev and Casey have surpassed him IMO.

 

[BHD]

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?

Yeah, I watch a fair amount of Devils games, and he looks like he should be playing wing on the fourth line. Pittsburgh made it work with Bonino (a similar player) in 2016, but that's because he produced and clicked with his linemates. Haula isn't.

Is Jason Dickinson enough of an upgrade for the Devils? Although, I can see other teams being interested if the Hawks made him available.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

you could trade One of Haula or Palat that open up cap space for two roster players and you can use your picks to get two 3rd liners retained also Im pretty sure it was just one second and if it wasn't then thats a mistake its only supposed to be one second.

Miller replaces Mercer, if Haula gets traded then you still have your 2 2nds to try an add 3rd liners for a retained deadline price, you would be able to strengthen your forward core quite easily, Trading Palat probably happens in the Offseason or a buyout.

Also I know he has draft Pedigree but Nemec is not your top prospect Silayev and Casey have surpassed him IMO.

Haula and Palat are claused up, they aren't going anywhere they don't want to go.

You definitely asked for some 2nds not one.

How about a 1st a 2nd plus Mercer, Casey and Tatar for cap reasons for Miller? Would you do that?

 

[Ruutu Tootoo]

This might be the answer
Nate and Tuna out
3C added

Meier-Hischer-Noesen
Palat-Hughes-Bratt
Cotter-X-Mercer
Dowling-Haula-Lazar

This would have to be the answer with taking Tuna and Nate out. I don’t hate this either, Dowling has been very affective.

 

[HBK27]

Well you were slotted to be cup favourites and only reached the 2nd round and got smacked by the Hurricanes, Miller would give you an elite 1-2-3 Center core like how the Pens had with Crosby-Malkin-Staal idk why you would not want that?

With the rising cap and elite players being able to play well into their 30s (Tavares,Crosby,Ovi,and Kopitar) why you would want the centre core is beyond me and it fit with the Devils window of 3-5 years of cup contention.

Also Chemistry of locker rooms barely ever has an effect on the ice, The reason the Canucks are playing average at best is because we have no top four defensemen outside of Quinn Hughes and Hronek(who is injured for another month or month and a half.

Devils had a nice season and finished 3rd overall in the standings that year, but not many had them as Cup favorites that postseason given the lack of playoff experience for the team. Many favored the Rangers in the opening round given the gap in playoff experience. They were clearly the underdogs against Carolina though in round 2 - starting on the road against a team that finished 2nd overall in the standings.

Winning a round after missing the prior the playoffs the prior 4 seasons 9 out of 10 seasons overall isn't too shabby. Pointing towards one playoff series against an experienced playoff team with the 2nd best record in the league while NJ's goaltending imploded as some sign of overall playoff struggles for this group is embarrassingly weak on your part.

Did you forget why Staal got traded from Pittsburgh? In part because he was not content being a 3rd line center and wanted a bigger role...which is the exact same issue the Devils would run into with Miller.

And yeah, while some players can play at a high level into their 30's there are many, many more examples of players that experience significant declines. It's a significant risk in the cap era that that contract could hinder the team in future seasons. Absolutely disagree with your assessment about team chemistry.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Well you were slotted to be cup favourites and only reached the 2nd round and got smacked by the Hurricanes, Miller would give you an elite 1-2-3 Center core like how the Pens had with Crosby-Malkin-Staal idk why you would not want that?

With the rising cap and elite players being able to play well into their 30s (Tavares,Crosby,Ovi,and Kopitar) why you would want the centre core is beyond me and it fit with the Devils window of 3-5 years of cup contention.

Also Chemistry of locker rooms barely ever has an effect on the ice, The reason the Canucks are playing average at best is because we have no top four defensemen outside of Quinn Hughes and Hronek(who is injured for another month or month and a half.

I'm sorry, but who had the Devils slotted as "Cup favorites" in the 2023 playoffs? I don't even think Devils fans would agree with that point.

Yeah, I watch a fair amount of Devils games, and he looks like he should be playing wing on the fourth line. Pittsburgh made it work with Bonino (a similar player) in 2016, but that's because he produced and clicked with his linemates. Haula isn't.

Is Jason Dickinson enough of an upgrade for the Devils? Although, I can see other teams being interested if the Hawks made him available.

I like Dickinson. I'm not sure how much I'd pay for him though, and I don't know if he is good enough to be a consistent 3C. But I like the player.