Works for me.If NJ wants retention then a 2025 3rd and 2026 2nd would be great.
I mean, you lot have Cody Glass.The best UFA centers are too expensive and others too mediocre, so a trade might be the best way to get a 3rd line center to NJ. But who are available?
The Devils could offer a combination of these assets:
- a 1st (2026)
- 2 x 2nds
- prospects (Casey, Hämeenaho, etc.)
- Mercer
Haula has regressed and he can't play center anymore. Mercer is a winger who has played as a center because there haven't been any other options. To put it mildly, Glass wasn't good in the playoffs.New Jersey already has 3C.
1C Hughes
2C Hischier
3C Haula/Mercer
4C Glass
Haula had a nasty ankle injury that he was playing with and Glass was also injured just before the playoffs so I'm not sure we know for sure what they are capable of at this point. Haula was fine as a depth center the prior year and Glass looked very good when he arrived until he was injured. I'm not suggesting either is the answer at 3C but without knowing what was hampering them who knows what they might be able to offer.Haula has regressed and he can't play center anymore. Mercer is a winger who has played as a center because there haven't been any other options. To put it mildly, Glass wasn't good in the playoffs.
Also maybe Haula is a better winger now. His 22-23 season did primarily come on the wing.Haula had a nasty ankle injury that he was playing with and Glass was also injured just before the playoffs so I'm not sure we know for sure what they are capable of at this point. Haula was fine as a depth center the prior year and Glass looked very good when he arrived until he was injured. I'm not suggesting either is the answer at 3C but without knowing what was hampering them who knows what they might be able to offer.
Also maybe Haula is a better winger now. His 22-23 season did primarily come on the wing.
I think having backup plans at C is good.
Problem is Glass will always be injured so if you are going to use him you better have a backup plan.Haula had a nasty ankle injury that he was playing with and Glass was also injured just before the playoffs so I'm not sure we know for sure what they are capable of at this point. Haula was fine as a depth center the prior year and Glass looked very good when he arrived until he was injured. I'm not suggesting either is the answer at 3C but without knowing what was hampering them who knows what they might be able to offer.
Problem is Glass will always be injured so if you are going to use him you better have a backup plan.
Devils kind of have smaller, injury prone centres. Maybe they need a heavy body for 3C who can stay in the lineup?Problem is Glass will always be injured so if you are going to use him you better have a backup plan.
Yeah frankly you probably need a Sissons type of player. Rarely misses games, has a physical aspect, good on defense and faceoffs. Frankly if he was 28 instead of 31 he would almost fit in perfectly.Devils kind of have smaller, injury prone centres. Maybe they need a heavy body for 3C who can stay in the lineup?