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cepi » úte 01. říj 2024 20:09
If Fitzgerald was serious about acquiring former Nashville Predators, current San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov — which was after he acquired Jacob Markstrom, then he should undoubtedly be serious about trading for Swayman as well.
By no means will it be an easy trade to pull off.
By the sound of it via Swayman’s agent, perhaps an eight-year, $8 million average annual value — or something relatively close — would be something Swayman agrees to.
Still, the Bruins don’t have to trade their franchise goaltender, trade request or not.
Therefore, it’s going to cost the Devils a pretty penny to acquire Swayman, who needs a contract and holds a ton of value.
So what would a Devils trade look like with the Bruins?
The Devils would need to unload some serious money. Not sure if they can get out of Ondrej Palat’s contract, but he’d be the first attempt. Then?
Attach anything of value that you can.
Anton Silayev? Send him. Seamus Casey? Trade him.
Dare we say, Simon Nemec?
Of course, not all of these pieces would be part of one offer. Mix and match to find fair value.
But think about it. If the Devils wanted to solve their goaltending indefinitely, Swayman is the answer. Fitzgerald has done a great job with stockpiling his blue line, that the Devils can withstand trading Nemec if they keep Casey to slide in his place while upgrading in net. And Swayman would essentially negate the cost of Nemec’s future extension.
So what about Markstrom?
Well, what about him? Markstrom has a contract for the next two seasons, is nearing 35 years old, and would actually benefit from playing fewer minutes. As for Swayman, he clearly has no issue working in tandem as he did with Linus Ullmark. Then in two seasons, Swayman can take the reins as the team’s No.1 goaltender.
Sorry Jake Allen, but this is a business decision and the Devils could use the little bit of cap space you cost. Perhaps a team like the Colorado Avalanche — who are starved for a 1B/backup with Alexander Georgiev — are an option for Allen.
Swayman is not just a player you add to your roster. He’d immediately become a core piece and grow with Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Co. And as a result, the Devils automatically become a perennial contender.
However he needs to make it happen, Fitzgerald absolutely should pursue Swayman in a Devils trade.
