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New Jersey Devils: 5 Moves That Would Unnecessarily Speed Up Rebuild

By Nick Villano

Nico Hischier #13 of the New Jersey Devils (2nd from left) celebrates his game-tying goal at 5:30 of the third period against the New York Rangers and is joined by P.K. Subban #76, Nolan Foote #25, Ty Smith #24 and Nicholas Merkley #39 at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Nico Hischier #13 of the New Jersey Devils (2nd from left) celebrates his game-tying goal at 5:30 of the third period against the New York Rangers and is joined by P.K. Subban #76, Nolan Foote #25, Ty Smith #24 and Nicholas Merkley #39 at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils
San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (65): Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Jose Sharks went all in when they traded for Erik Karlsson. They sent Chris Tierney, Rudolfs Balcers, Dylan Demelo, and Josh Norris to the Ottawa Senators. It wasn’t the haul most hoped, but the real winner was the 2020 1st-round pick. It ended up being the third-overall pick. The Senators took Tim Stützle, who would be a really nice piece for the Sharks to have right now. The Sharks are still somewhat in the playoff race this season, but Stanley Cup contention is not in their very near future.

The Sharks could get a haul for some of the players on the roster, but Karlsson likely isn’t one of them. He’s due to make $11.5 million against the salary cap for the next six seasons. It’s really an untradeable contract from a player that still has a ton of upside. We’re like two seasons removed from him being the best defenseman in hockey. Obviously, this is a win-now move.

However, the Devils should go for more. Timo Meier is the Sharks’ best asset. He’s 24 years old. He’s owed $6 million against the salary cap for the next two seasons. His production this season isn’t perfect, but he’s easily a 60-point player for the rest of his prime.

To get these two players in a trade, the Devils have to pay handsomely. They will send the Sharks Alexander Holtz, the 1st-round pick they just got in the Kyle Palmieri trade, and defensive prospect Reilly Walsh. It’s a massive payment while also taking on more than $17 million in cap space. In the real world, this trade might cost slightly less, so to make up for it the Sharks will retain $2 million of Karlsson’s salary. Here, the Devils pay a handsome sum to get the defenseman of the present with an offensive weapon that can help them for a long time.

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