Blockbuster multi-player trade has been rejected by New Jersey!

It’s been known for months now, and even more so heading into the trade deadline on March 8, that the New Jersey Devils have been looking for an upgrade in between the pipes. They’ve been previously linked to Calgary Flames netminder Jacob Markstrom, but now reports of a failed trade has emerged that has the Devils tied with another top goalie.

According to Jim Biringer of Full Press Hockey, the Devils got into a discussion about a monster with the Nashville Predators. It is believed that the Preds made a blockbuster trade offer in order for New Jersey to acquire goaltender Juuse Saros, but that the Devils turned down the offer.

Here is what was allegedly in play:

NASHVILLE TRADES: Saros and defenseman Alexandre Carrier, with 50% of the salary cap retained.
IN EXCHANGE FROM NEW JERSEY: Dawson Mercer, Seamus Casey, Akira Schmid, a first round pick in this year’s NHL Draft and a second round pick in 2025.

Saros has one more year left on his contract and comes with a $5 million salary cap hit. The Predators have been adamant they are not “shopping” him, but it is clear that general manager Barry Trotz is willing to entertain offers. And with this one that fell through with the Devils, it is clear that Nashville’s asking price is quite high and that it would take a significant package for Trotz to even consider moving Saros out of Nashville.

The Predators’ GM has also said publicly that he would like to re-sign Saros long-term, though it is believe that the goalie will command a hefty raise and could look to get the Ilya Sorokin deal (eight years, $8.25 million AAV), but Nashville isn’t keen on those numbers.

Trotz has confirmed that, while the Devils were in Music City last week, he met with general manager Tom Fitzgerald.
It could when the massive trade offer was made for Mercer and company and then rejected by the Devils.

However, I doubt it will soften Trotz, who is said to be seeking a “knock my socks off” package if he agrees to move Saros.

And if the aforementioned deal did not work, I can’t say the Predators’ GM will be able to get what he wants for his netminder prior to the March 8 trade deadline.

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• Asking price for Juuse Saros has been leaked and it is huge!