Timo to New Jersey made more sense given our prospects, cap space, and San Jose's situation at the time. It wasn't that original an idea. I don't mind Rupp as an analyst, but there are segments where they're just filling airtime. I'm still waiting on Hellebuyck to become a Devil (or Scheifele to the Bruins, Nylander to the Ducks) as per this Rupp suggestion.
You might be overestimating Holtz's value at this point. Things tend to get murky 4-5 years after a guy's been drafted. Thinner line between "elite" youth and prospect who hasn't gotten over the hump. Ie, certain Edmonton fans still pitching Philip Broberg as a top prospect this year. I hope Holtz turns a corner but so far he's been tracking similarly to Filip Zadina.
THN's Future Watch isn't perfect, but maybe worth pointing out that Casey was listed as the #93 prospect league wide. I'd have him a little higher but I try not to get lost in the numbers. But also just a reminder that he's not exactly a slam dunk blue chip prospect.
Maybe not exactly the same, but would you trade Nico for an "elite" package of youth like Jack Quinn, Isak Rosen, and 11th overall? Or Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, and 13th overall? Or William Eklund, Henry Thrun, and 14th overall?