MachoDiablo
Registered User
Man, this is nuts.
Ok, so first things first: I am @#$%ing thrilled that we have Meier. He's currently the best player in the deal, odds are incredibly high that long term he's the best player in this trade even in retrospect, he's only 26 and primed to be extended, and his style of play fits the Devils' needs like a glove. I am also thrilled that we still have Mercer, Holtz, Nemec, Hughes, Casey, and others; I didn't think the top of our prospect/youth depth was available in the first place, but seeing that confirmed and not even losing Holtz in this deal is fantastic.
That said...damn, that is a haul we gave up. Basically three first round picks plus Zetts and more for Timo and some flotsam and jetsam, without an extension guaranteed. I know we're in the "our window is open now, screw draft picks" phase, and I'm not saying we should be prospect hugging at this stage, but until further notice this is still a salary cap league and one where the Bally Sports situation might mean the cap not rising as high as we were hoping in the next few years, and in such leagues you need quality, affordable depth.
Don't get me wrong: when you have a chance at the Cup you have to take it, and the Devils were a legitimate contender even before this trade, so upping their chances makes plenty of sense. But at the same time when you're in a cap league you remain a consistent contender when you have those affordable assets to replenish your system and to fill in those depth spots that put teams over the top.
Still...we were likely losing Okhotiuk vai waivers, and you still have to give to get. I have confidence Meier will be extended, and if we're looking at a near decade of Hughes-Hischier-Mercer-Meier-Bratt-Hamilton-L. Hughes-Nemec-Holtz-etc. etc. etc., well, then...
Ok, so first things first: I am @#$%ing thrilled that we have Meier. He's currently the best player in the deal, odds are incredibly high that long term he's the best player in this trade even in retrospect, he's only 26 and primed to be extended, and his style of play fits the Devils' needs like a glove. I am also thrilled that we still have Mercer, Holtz, Nemec, Hughes, Casey, and others; I didn't think the top of our prospect/youth depth was available in the first place, but seeing that confirmed and not even losing Holtz in this deal is fantastic.
That said...damn, that is a haul we gave up. Basically three first round picks plus Zetts and more for Timo and some flotsam and jetsam, without an extension guaranteed. I know we're in the "our window is open now, screw draft picks" phase, and I'm not saying we should be prospect hugging at this stage, but until further notice this is still a salary cap league and one where the Bally Sports situation might mean the cap not rising as high as we were hoping in the next few years, and in such leagues you need quality, affordable depth.
Don't get me wrong: when you have a chance at the Cup you have to take it, and the Devils were a legitimate contender even before this trade, so upping their chances makes plenty of sense. But at the same time when you're in a cap league you remain a consistent contender when you have those affordable assets to replenish your system and to fill in those depth spots that put teams over the top.
Still...we were likely losing Okhotiuk vai waivers, and you still have to give to get. I have confidence Meier will be extended, and if we're looking at a near decade of Hughes-Hischier-Mercer-Meier-Bratt-Hamilton-L. Hughes-Nemec-Holtz-etc. etc. etc., well, then...
