In a surprising move, the New Jersey Devils have made a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights that has left fans scratching their heads. The trade involves two promising prospects from the Devils, Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid, and the return has received widespread criticism.

Earlier in the day, the Devils traded John Marino to the new Utah franchise, acquiring a couple of second-round picks in return. This move seemed reasonable, considering Marino's recent performance. However, it was a later trade that caught everyone's attention.

The Devils have shipped off Alexander Holtz, a highly volatile player with 16 goals to his name this season, to Vegas. Holtz, despite being given limited opportunities, showcased his scoring prowess and potential for growth. Many believed he had a bright future ahead under a new head coach, but the Devils decided to part ways with him.

In exchange for Holtz, the Devils received forward Paul Cotter and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Cotter, a physical player with offensive potential, could be a valuable addition to the team. However, using Holtz as a trade piece for a player they could have potentially signed in free agency raises questions about the decision-making process.

Additionally, the Devils acquired young goalie prospect Akira Schmid from Vegas. Schmid was a key factor in the Devils' comeback against the New York Rangers, helping them win the series in seven games. The inclusion of Schmid in the trade adds another layer of uncertainty to the deal.

The trade is perplexing considering Holtz's potential and Schmid's ability as a goalie. These young players could have provided a cost-effective solution for the Devils as they navigate the challenge of adding more expensive contracts to their roster. Holtz had the potential to become a consistent 30-goal scorer, and Schmid showed promise as an NHL-caliber goalie.

As the offseason progresses, this trade will cast a shadow over General Manager Tom Fitzgerald's entire plan. The move raises doubts about the long-term strategy of the Devils and has left fans questioning the direction of the team.

Only time will tell if this trade will pay off for the Devils or if it will be remembered as a questionable decision in their pursuit of success.