Our Final Evaluation of Crazy CapFriendly Trades for New Jersey Devils

There are literally dozens of trades that involve Jacob Markstrom and the 10th overall pick. It seems like the Calgary Flames shouldn’t have the leverage to ask for that. Markstrom has a no-trade clause, already waived it to come to New Jersey, and he made it clear he was sick of the nonsense going on with his situation. 

And it’s only going to get worse. The rumors are only getting louder, and the articles will become more and more plentiful as we get closer to the draft without a resolution to the Markstrom situation. While teams like the Senators would like to believe they are in the conversation, there really is no point in Markstrom's waiving his rights to go there at this point. It seems to be New Jersey and maybe Toronto at this point unless a surprise team comes about.

Which is why this trade is so interesting. So, to get the 10th-overall pick and another interesting asset (Kevin Bahl), they add a first-round pick (Vancouver’s 28th overall) and add players Joel Hanley and Ilya Nikolayev. Hanley is a depth defenseman (which the Devils do need), and Nikolayev is a prospect who needs a change of scenery.

While we appreciate the attempt, the pieces don’t really fit. The value is off, but it’s not ridiculous. Would we be floored if this trade happened? No, so we wanted to give that possibility its just due.