In yesterday's episode, I discussed potential options that the New Jersey Devils could trade away to create more cap space. One of those options was Dawson Mercer, who signed a three-year, $12 million contract last offseason. Unfortunately, he had another subpar performance this season. However, he's still young and holds decent value.

Interview soundbite: Dawson Mercer

0:00 Dawson Mercer's 2024-25 season

8:16 The end of Mercer?

18:15 Devils players receiving MVP recognition

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The New York Rangers continue to clean house when it comes to big contracts. The New Jersey Devils need to do something similar if they want to have a successful offseason. The Devils have a lot of potential, but Tom Fitzgerald really needs to swing for the fences once again. This means no more settling and doing whatever it takes to take this team to the next level.

0:00 Tom Fitzgerald's job security

13:05 Who should the Devils get rid of first?

20:23 Looking forward

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild) and Tom Callahan (Locked On Mammoth) are here to talk about how the Panthers are outclassing the Oilers, as well as the coaching drama happening in Dallas!

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Ondrej Palat's first three seasons with the New Jersey Devils have been disappointing. He has not lived up to the five-year, $30 million contract he signed in 2022. If the Devils can trade him, it could free up some cap space. This would give them more money to work with this offseason. Palat is a solid veteran player, but it's time to move on.

Check out Nick Villano's article: https://pucksandpitchforks.com/new-york-rangers-trade-rumors-could-be-bad-news-for-new-jersey-devils

Check out Jersey Joe's article: https://pucksandpitchforks.com/3-landing-spots-for-ondrej-palat-and-what-the-new-jersey-devils-should-expect-01jxayyzb8tv

Interview soundbite: Ondrej Palat

0:00 Ondrej Palat's 2024-25 season

10:22 Destinations for Ondrej

16:55 Why is it important to trade him?

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Similar to Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand is also a pending unrestricted free agent. He has been performing strongly in the playoffs with the Florida Panthers. He brings a lot of tools to the table that could benefit the New Jersey Devils. Given the salary cap situation, the Devils may face challenges in signing players during free agency. They might need to explore different options.

Check out Kristy Flannery's article: https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/devils-should-target-brad-marchand-in-free-agency#:~:text=Marchand's%2051%20points%20in%20the,We%20came%20in%20second.%22

0:00 Brad Marchand to the Devils?

11:30 Free agency or trade market?

18:50 My thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final

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Sam Bennett is a pending unrestricted free agent. Despite all of the hype, some people are predicting that his contract will age similarly to Ondrej Palat's deal. Either way, Bennett has been performing well throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The New Jersey Devils might have a tough decision to make when it comes to their goalie tandem. Jake Allen is also a pending UFA, but it might be time for Nico Daws to take the next step in his career.

Interview soundbites: Nico Daws (Courtesy New Jersey Devils)

0:00 Nico Daws vs. Jake Allen

13:38 Sam Bennett vs. Ondrej Palat

22:14 Thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final

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Timo Meier finished the 2024-25 season strong and had a good showing during the playoffs. However, during exit interviews, he revealed that he knows he can take his game to another level. Many people have strong opinions about Meier, but he's a dynamic player who contributes in several facets to the game. I also shared my thoughts on the 2025 Stanley Cup Final so far.

Interview soundbite: Timo Meier (Courtesy New Jersey Devils)

0:00 Timo Meier's 2024-25 season

10:44 Meier Madness

16:12 My thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final

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Tom Fitzgerald recently spoke with Mike Morreale (NHL.com) about the New Jersey Devils' offseason plans. He provided updates on Luke Hughes' contract and possible roster moves. Nick Kypreos published a recent article on the possibility of the Devils moving on from Ondrej Palat and Dawson Mercer. Trading one or both of them would increase cap space.

Check out Mike Morreale's latest article: https://www.nhl.com/news/luke-hughes-offseason-priority-for-new-jersey-devils-gm-says

0:00 Tom Fitzgerald provides offseason updates

9:20 Ondrej Palat and Dawson Mercer on the trade block?

14:52 Discussing offseason needs...again

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