Confirmed with Link: Palms and Zajac traded to Isles for 2021 1st, AJ Greer, Mason Jobst, 2022 conditional 4th

[Traitor Zach]

I'm a bit perplexed at the obsession or thinking some fans have of bringing guys like Coleman, Palmieri, Zajac back if we can given what's occurred and where things sit now and in next couple years.

I respect folks who think with their heart, but the truth is i think the hierarchy will think with the head and fits longer term. The return on Coleman was intriguing and made sense, and I hate to say it but in truth even bringing Zajac I would only be interested if it's a swan song at a drastically reduced/low salary for what his role would be, a down line checking center and I'm thinking now after reading some tea leaves on the trade/Fitz's comments, it's unlikely this regime will be bringing him back.

 

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

Someone has to explain to me why adding a legit player for the pick we just got is a bad thing. The examples of prior deals has absolutely nothing to do with our current situation. We have the youngest roster in the league and we can’t ice our current roster, next year, since we’re guaranteed to finish in the bottom #5, again.

Fitz has to help our building blocks and that means adding a legit winger to play with Hughes and/or Hischier. Asking them to go to war with pebbles is exactly how you burn out your kids who are labeled to turn this franchise around. This notion that we’ll draft our way out of mediocrity and that it’s our only way out is nonsense, or else every single team in a rebuild would’ve done it.

It clearly depends on the player, but basically teams aren’t going to move core pieces for just a first round pick so we are shopping for scraps (Kasperi Kapanen).

It’s possible expansion changes the calculation a little as teams will trade unprotected players for picks and someone like Jake Bean could be acquired who is not a core player but could become one.

 

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

Isles stole this trade. I cannot believe the value NJ got for a decent #3 Center and a potential second line RW in KP based on his history.
Greer is a 4th liner at best ( one NHL goal in 37 games), an AHL lifer in Jobst, who may never made the NHL, a first round pick in a roll of the dice draft in 2021 and a 4th round throw in pick.....and NJ had to eat 50% of the contracts. Lou must have some pictures on Fitzy?
If prices are really that low, its a great time to buy.

I don't think a better return for Palmieri + Zajac was coming and trading them for a 1st makes sense given where the team is at. It's just the reality.

 

[tailfins]

Personally, I think this was basically Zajac asking to be traded. And that’s the gut punch. This is a guy who has been here his whole career, who said he didn’t want to be traded last year, but now basically asked out. That’s a failure of management. Yes, it’s a failure that’s been occurring for a long time. But to see the consequence so clearly is awful.

I hope this is one of those “it’s darkest before dawn” moments. I’d be thrilled if Nico and Jack really can usher in a new era.

Right now, though, I’m feeling very down.

 

[ninetyeight]

This subboard is so weird, couple of weeks ago bunch of people were screaming to get Palms and Trav off this team. Now they're traded and the same people are on suicide watch.

What kind of return were you looking for? If you honestly think the Isles would give away someone like Dobson youre delusional. Everyone in the main board thought we'd be lucky to get a 2nd for Palms let alone a 1st.

I'm not sure if Lou's tactic of trading away all his picks for Ruutuus and Tootoos is that much better in the long run either.

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

So next season Severson wil be moved at the deadline with a good contract and 1 and a half year left on the term.

Why would do you think they will do that?

 

[MartyOwns]

thought about it, i'm still underwhelmed. i have to wonder if we could have gotten more if we traded them to 2 different teams. i'd rather have two 2nd rounders than a 1st and a conditional 4th.

whatever, it is what it is. i'm glad fitz traded them at all so i guess i'll take it

 

[HBK27]

Personally, I think this was basically Zajac asking to be traded. And that’s the gut punch. This is a guy who has been here his whole career, who said he didn’t want to be traded last year, but now basically asked out. That’s a failure of management. Yes, it’s a failure that’s been occurring for a long time. But to see the consequence so clearly is awful.

I hope this is one of those “it’s darkest before dawn” moments. I’d be thrilled if Nico and Jack really can usher in a new era.

Right now, though, I’m feeling very down.

I don't think Zajac "asked to be traded" - it sounds like Travis and Fitz were in communication about various options. If I had to guess, Zajac was only open to a few scenarios - with the Islanders being a the top of the list given the connections to Lou/Greene (though having Palmieri go over there as well may have also been part of it), plus now he doesn't have to uproot or be away from his family for several months. He can easily make it back to NJ between games or they can drive to the Island to see him.

If the Islanders didn't have interest in bringing in Zajac, I'm not sure he gets dealt.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

the trade is understandable. Not good. Not based on historical returns . In context the trade is ok. In years past shipping these two would have netted you the first and a good prospect. This year was a first and what seems like flotsam.
Also zajac NTC also played a role. There would have been teams that would have given up more than a 3 rd pick for zajac. He is grizzly vet perfect playoff guy. But at the end a first is a first. But man we suck

you cannot compare this year to prior years. There is kind of something going on in the world that is affecting all of this....

 

[HBK27]

thought about it, i'm still underwhelmed. i have to wonder if we could have gotten more if we traded them to 2 different teams. i'd rather have two 2nd rounders than a 1st and a conditional 4th.

whatever, it is what it is. i'm glad fitz traded them at all so i guess i'll take it

Not sure how they'd have been able to fetch two 2nd rounders if dealt seperately.

I don't think Zajac on his own gets that - particularly given his NMC. Not sure how many teams besides the Islanders he waives that for and a 3rd rounder for Travis would've been a great return.

That leaves Palmieri to secure two 2nds on his own, which I also think is a stretch. I could maybe see a 2nd and 2022 3rd as the best offer for Palmieri alone and I think the 1st rounder has more value.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

thought about it, i'm still underwhelmed. i have to wonder if we could have gotten more if we traded them to 2 different teams. i'd rather have two 2nd rounders than a 1st and a conditional 4th.

whatever, it is what it is. i'm glad fitz traded them at all so i guess i'll take it

I don't understand this thinking given the prospect depth of the organization

we need picks as high as possible to A) pick the BPA or B) trade that pick in a package for a legit NHLer

 

[MartyOwns]

Not sure how they'd have been able to fetch two 2nd rounders if dealt seperately.

I don't think Zajac on his own gets that - particularly given his NMC. Not sure how many teams besides the Islanders he waives that for and a 3rd rounder for Travis would've been a great return.

That leaves Palmieri to secure two 2nds on his own, which I also think is a stretch. I could maybe see a 2nd and 2022 3rd as the best offer for Palmieri alone and I think the 1st rounder has more value.

yeah i don't know the market. i think palms could've fetched a 2nd, and zajac has been pretty good this year (points-wise) and i thought there might be a team willing to give up a 2nd for him considering all he brings to a playoff team. i assumed lou would give a 2nd for zajac, and boston could've given up a 2nd for palms. but again, it may have been a buyer's market and we got f***ed. who knows

I don't understand this thinking given the prospect depth of the organization

we need picks as high as possible to A) pick the BPA or B) trade that pick in a package for a legit NHLer

an islanders 1st round pick is essentially a 2nd round pick anyway.

 

[HBK27]

I don't understand this thinking given the prospect depth of the organization

we need picks as high as possible to A) pick the BPA or B) trade that pick in a package for a legit NHLer

Exactly.

The rumors were that Fitz had offers for a 2nd and "meh" prospect for Palmieri. We don't really need more mid-level prospects in this organization. It was a good move for Fitz to get a 1st rounder out of the deal.

 

[HBK27]

an islanders 1st round pick is essentially a 2nd round pick anyway.

And any 2nd round pick they would've gotten for these players would've been late as well...or essentially a 3rd round pick.

 

[OmNomNom]

I actually said at the start of the season that Gusev was a terrible player and wasn’t good enough to be a top 6 player despite putting up decent numbers in the season before. Also said Zacha was better than him. Boy did people shit on me for that opinion at the time.

Well regardless of you being right, my question still stands about coleman

 

[Traitor Zach]

A 1st round pick is a 1st round pick that is not almost a second round pick. It is a 1st and it provides a range of variable options in how to attack the draft, and the top of the 1st round and how we might want to use the 2nd 1st and even the 2nd we have from the Isles or if we get another one for one of the defensemen. If it was a 2nd, it would be a 2nd, and then you'd say, well it's almost really a 3rd.

Good grief.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

an islanders 1st round pick is essentially a 2nd round pick anyway.

I also hate this line of thinking as well...how do we know the Isles don't lose round 1 and the pick is like 21st overall?

and if we had gotten Boston's or NYI's 2nd or whatever, then you'd say those are basically 3rd round picks

keep in mind Arizona is forfeiting their 1st so that will mean one more player will be available to us at the NYI pick potentially

 

[Satans Hockey]

I also hate this line of thinking as well...how do we know the Isles don't lose round 1 and the pick is like 21st overall?

Exactly why I want the Islanders to lose as many games as possible the rest of the season and then get swept out of the playoffs.

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

Personally, I think this was basically Zajac asking to be traded. And that’s the gut punch. This is a guy who has been here his whole career, who said he didn’t want to be traded last year, but now basically asked out. That’s a failure of management. Yes, it’s a failure that’s been occurring for a long time. But to see the consequence so clearly is awful.

I hope this is one of those “it’s darkest before dawn” moments. I’d be thrilled if Nico and Jack really can usher in a new era.

Right now, though, I’m feeling very down.

I really do not agree with your first paragraph. Somebody posted that Fitz was in constant communication with Travis during this. Seems like Fitz did him a solid by trading him to the only local team that is in a playoff position.

I think the strategy has been good since Shero traded Hall. It is up to Fitz and Castron to take advantage of the excellent position I think the team has put itself in. Time to execute and put a winner on the ice.

 

[Classic Devil]

Travis Zajac is one of my favorite players in Devils history. I've literally watched his entire career, and it's been a long one. Seeing him get traded sucks.

But he and Kyle Palmieri were pending UFAs and we got a 1st round pick for them. Zajac is nearing retirement, and Palmieri wasn't coming back. I hope they win a cup, and I'll take the 32nd pick.

 

[Eggtimer]

I wonder if Palms had the Leafs on his no-trade list. There are a lot of rumors saying the Leafs want to go " all-in" for a forward. Palms would have been a perfect winger for them and Amirov (said all propspects available) or whatever would have been nice to add . I am sure Fitz talked to Dumas but Palms would not waive.

I just wanted the BEST offer possible but I think Palms NMC had something to do with it and Islanders being the only way to get a 1st (or decent prospect).

We need to package picks and prospects for a legit top 6 winger or trade to get 2 picks in the top 10. Get an elite forward ( Johnson Benier Eklund Gunler) and a D ( Powers Clarke Hughes )

 

[youryeah]

This subboard is so weird, couple of weeks ago bunch of people were screaming to get Palms and Trav off this team. Now they're traded and the same people are on suicide watch.

What kind of return were you looking for? If you honestly think the Isles would give away someone like Dobson youre delusional. Everyone in the main board thought we'd be lucky to get a 2nd for Palms let alone a 1st.

I'm not sure if Lou's tactic of trading away all his picks for Ruutuus and Tootoos is that much better in the long run either.

"get palms off this team! trade this bum for a bag of pucks I never want to see him in a devils uni ever again!"

*gets a first for KP*

"that's it?"

 

[HBK27]

Exactly why I want the Islanders to lose as many games as possible the rest of the season and then get swept out of the playoffs.

I can certainly appreciate this line of thinking and this was where I was at last year between Arizona and Vancouver. Just not sure if I have it in me as much with Lou, Zajac, Greene and Palmieri all over there and likely the last shot for Travis and Andy. Right now I have more of a neutral stance.

Hopefully they lose some games down the stretch or at least get passed by a few teams so that if they do go out in the 1st or 2nd round our pick is better.

 

[devilsblood]

I'm a bit perplexed at the obsession or thinking some fans have of bringing guys like Coleman, Palmieri, Zajac back if we can given what's occurred and where things sit now and in next couple years.

I respect folks who think with their heart, but the truth is i think the hierarchy will think with the head and fits longer term. The return on Coleman was intriguing and made sense, and I hate to say it but in truth even bringing Zajac I would only be interested if it's a swan song at a drastically reduced/low salary for what his role would be, a down line checking center and I'm thinking now after reading some tea leaves on the trade/Fitz's comments, it's unlikely this regime will be bringing him back.

Sentimentality plays a role no doubt, but I think any of the 3 bring not only vet presence, which is beneficial, but also on ice ability.

Palms even in a down year was tied for 2nd in goals.

Zajac, does the obvious Zajac things, matching up against opposing top lines, PK, win faceoffs, but, and I mentioned this in the other thread, seems to have a knack for shepherding young wingers. Coleman, Rango, Kouk, Wood to an extent, have all gone from "I don't know about this guy" to, "hey this guy can play". With him at 3C if also keeps that Zacha to wing option more likely.

Coleman, we know the deal.

In the end, we probably want to bring in some vet's up front for next year, so even if it's not more likely that guys who have been here come back, these guys are guys we as fans know.

 

[HBK27]

I wonder if Palms had the Leafs on his no-trade list. There are a lot of rumors saying the Leafs want to go " all-in" for a forward. Palms would have been a perfect winger for them and Amirov (said all propspects available) or whatever would have been nice to add . I am sure Fitz talked to Dumas but Palms would not waive.

I just wanted the BEST offer possible but I think Palms NMC had something to do with it and Islanders being the only way to get a 1st (or decent prospect).

We need to package picks and prospects for a legit top 6 winger or trade to get 2 picks in the top 10. Get an elite forward ( Johnson Benier Eklund Gunler) and a D ( Powers Clarke Hughes )

This could've played a big role in the deal with the Islanders, as Toronto was rumored to be the 3rd team (along with the Bruins) with serious interest in Palmieri.

If Palmieri wasn't going to waive to go to the Maple Leafs (as it has been speculated they were on his no trade list), that leaves a "bidding war" between the Bruins and Islanders. It has also been basically confirmed that the Islanders were also really in on Hall too, so if they pull the trigger on that deal the bidding war is gone and you have to hope that the Bruins get desperate enough to up the deal to counter the Islanders...not a sure thing and then Fitz is playing with fire holding off on a deal until down to the wire. From what else I've read, the Bruins were very adamant about not dealing their 1st rounder so you're left with a 2nd+ for Palms almost regardless.