STEVE: If I had to say right now, as of February 25th, and after reading his quotes today, I would say no. That's the feeling I got. What do you think?
ANTHONY: I would say he is definitely WILLING to waive his NTC...I don't necessarily think that means he will be moved though. The interesting question is whether Lou will want to move him, or if Arnie will ask Lou to move him...I guess it boils down to, is Jason a BELIEVER???
STEVE: To me, his saying today that “I’ve been in situations with Nashville where we were two or three points out with this many games left and we missed it by one point." was very telling. It makes you wonder where he stands and what his thinking is, with the team being 9 points out.
STEVE: With all the trading that's gone on already, I'm sure a lot of GM's that consider themselves buyers have sort of been left out in the cold to this point. A lot of the "sellers" have already started dealing. On the flip side, Lou could find himself being flooded with calls about Arnott's availability come Monday
ANTHONY: So assume the Devils win BOTH games in Florida, and are say 7 points out after the weekend. Lou calls Jason and says: "I have a deal in place to send you to
STEVE: I think it depends a lot on what team is calling Lou. We saw what happened with Langenbrunner, where a player get's traded to a team that is in the playoffs at the time and then suddenly finds itself fighting to make it.
ANTHONY: assuming the team is basically a lock to be in the playoffs....
STEVE: I think he says "do the deal."
ANTHONY: Interesting. I am on the fence about it. I personally would like to see him stay, and hopefully come back for next year at a discounted price. The team CURRENTLY is one of the best in the league. With this nucleus intact and hopefully with the addition of Parise, one would have to like the Devils chances to make some real noise in the 2011-2012 season
STEVE: Well I think that's all going to play into Lou's decision to. Does Lou seem like the type to trade Arnott and then sign him in the off-season? I doubt it.
ANTHONY: Not at all. I think if Jason leaves, it will be the last time we see him in a Devils sweater (aside from 2000 Cup reunion nights/events etc).
STEVE: I agree. I think Lou has to decide if Jason is a need next year before trading him. Also, if it's financially doable.
ANTHONY: I think we can make room for him $ wise if he signs for about $2 mill. if he is serious about winning another Cup before he hangs up his skates, he has to think this Devils team is dangerous
STEVE: If he does get traded, what do you see coming back our way?
ANTHONY: Unfortunately not as much as Devils fans would like. I can see something like a 2nd round pick. Or possibly a 3rd round pick + 4th line player/mediocre defenseman. I could also see maybe an unproven project type of "prospect". In any event, we will not get an impact player for him (at least right now). A 2nd round pick could certainly become an impact player, but that is all speculation
STEVE: I think a 2nd rounder is probably the most realistic expectation. Some think a bidding war, considering there may be no one like Arnott available come Monday, could drive the price up to a 1st.
ANTHONY: I just can't see someone giving up a 1st round pick for Arnott as a potential "rental"
STEVE: Yea, I think that's lofty. But, it's only a matter of a few days now before we'll know. One thing is for certain...Lou has plenty to think about before Monday
ANTHONY: That’s for sure
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