The NHL offseason is always a breeding ground for speculation, debate, and the kind of wild trade proposals that set fanbases ablaze. This summer is no exception, especially with two of the league’s most intriguing young teams—the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils—both rumored to be exploring bold moves to reshape their rosters.

With each club boasting a wealth of promising talent and the pressure mounting to accelerate their respective rebuilds, the possibility of a blockbuster deal between these storied franchises has become a hot topic across hockey circles.

Talk radio, social media, and message boards are buzzing with theories about which players could be on the move, and which general managers might be willing to roll the dice. The idea of a mutually beneficial trade—one that could address key needs for both organizations while delivering a jolt of excitement to their passionate fanbases—has captured the imagination of insiders and supporters alike.

As speculation intensifies and potential trade scenarios are dissected from every angle, one proposal in particular has risen above the noise, sparking heated debate and fueling dreams of a new era for both the Canadiens and the Devils.

Photo of Canadiens and Devils

Photo credit: NHL

The Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils are two teams with young assets that appear to be available for a trade.

Could these two clubs help each other out in that regard?

The excellent Anthony Desaulniers of BPM Sports has just proposed a trade offer between the Canadiens and the Devils involving several young players.

David Reinbacher and Alex Newhook traded for Dawson Mercer and Simon Nemec by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens?

That’s Desaulniers’ suggestion.

To Montreal:

Dawson Mercer
Simon Nemec

To New Jersey:

David Reinbacher
Alex Newhook
17th overall pick in 2025

Currently, 47% of respondents say that Montreal would refuse this trade, while 27.7% believe New Jersey would turn it down.

Personally, I believe Dawson Mercer would be a clear upgrade over Alex Newhook, so it would all depend on what Simon Nemec could accomplish compared to David Reinbacher.

Nemec, who is the best friend of a certain Juraj Slafkovsky, would likely be the piece that could completely shift the balance of this proposed deal.

At 21 years old, the right-shot defenseman drafted 2nd overall in 2022 recorded 23 points in 34 games this season in the AHL (with a +7 rating), along with four points in 27 NHL games (with a -10 rating).

At 23, Dawson Mercer, the 18th overall pick in 2020, posted 36 points in 82 games this NHL season (with a +4 rating).

His two best seasons in the NHL came in his first two years, with 42 points in 82 games and then 56 points in 82 games.

What about you – would you make this trade?