The forward prize, IMHO, of the deadline is Kyle Palmieri. Yes, over Hall and his monster contract, I believe Palmieri brings a lot of overall value to any team acquiring him.
Yes, I was disappointed to hear contracts breaking down with the Devils. Not to prevent a deadline trade but to encourage an off-season welcome back for Palmieri. He is certainly one that Id love having for his contribution on and off the ice with this young Devils team.
I also wonder if there is any asset management issue when it comes to talks between Palmieri's agent and the team. Wish talks were not being held last minute and coming into the final week a clear direction was determined.
So now, the focus become who gets him and most importantly what do we get for him?
I do believe Palmieri and Hall are linked when it comes to trade value. Should Kyle get traded first, the return will affect Hall's trade value. And vice versa. I also think they are worth differently for different destinations depending on what the acquiring team is looking to improve.
Where does he go? What do we get?
From weekend reading the usual teams mentioned are the Bruins (I think the best fit), Islanders, Avalanche, Toronto, Edmonton and even the Penguins who are known for adding a forward rental or two for the final push.
The asking price seems to be a First Rounder, a conditional pick based on re-signing Palmieri and/or a young player. I feel more "futures" (picks or young prospects not ready to challenge for a roster spot will not help in any way accelerate the rebuild) but young players already playing would help fill in this young lineup.
I also think the Devils will focus on targeting a winger and/or Dman as our center position should be set for years. We also need some toughness in the lineup FOR SURE!
The goal in any acquisition should be getting a player that could challenge a top 6 forward spot or top 4 defense. This will make the Devils better.
I will begin with the two teams I feel are likely to land, and I believe makes the most sense:
The Bruins and the Islanders.
But what can be the payment:
With the Bruins, I feel Jae DeBrusk would be the target. Grzelcyk and Carlo on defense is also attractive even if we have to include one of Kulikov or Vatanen to get a deal done.
DeBrusk is having an off year but brings an element to this lineup I think the Devils could use and complement the youth on the team. And he is young enough. He could certainly replace a player like Andreas Johnsson (or Gusev).
With the Islanders, Uncle Lou can call his old bat phone in New Jersey, who needs to replace the loss of Lee could be an interesting suitor. Bellows and Wilde, to me, would be the targets there. Both should be ready to challenge for spots next year as Bellows has had some games under his belt and trying to "stick".
With the Leafs, Timothy Liljegren should be the target. But with our D depth, is he really an upgrade? I am not so sure.
The Flyers, if they are suitors, seem like an interesting trade partner. No salary would need to be retained if they can ship Gostisbehere in the package. He can also fill in if both Kulikov and Vatanen are traded. But maybe not, remember we have Matt Tennyson who could be a pretty good plug if he plays like he did in the beginning of the season.
Who would you trade Palmieri to and what would be your asking price?
While Ty Smith received Calder consideration, deservedly so, one player has emerged to me who needs some mention as well. Yegor Sharangovich.
8 goals and 5 assists doesn't really should the alarm but his overall play, development and ability to play up and down the lineup and in many different situations is worth some talk if you are a Devils fan.
It has been very nice seeing Sharangovich develop and become an overall player I believe will pay the Devils dividends (with Gusev had taken the same leap). Of late he has been averaging 17 plus minutes per game and a sign that Ruff trusts him.
Unfortunately when it comes to Calder talks there are plenty of players that will get mentioned in addition to Smith. Kaprizov, Stutzle, Vilardi, Norris and plenty of goalies in Lankinen, Kahkonen, Vanecek and Shesterkin to name a few.
Sharangovich has been a nice surprise.
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»