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Devils Links
Why Quinn Hughes isn’t a New Jersey Devil: “The belief is that Vancouver would have wanted a package of 21-year-old defenseman Simon Nemec, drafted second overall in 2022; 24-year-old center Dawson Mercer; KHL defenseman Anton Silayev, drafted 10th overall in 2024; and a first-round pick. That package was crafted with the understanding that Hughes was likely to sign an extension with the Devils. The problem with the Devils’ trade bid wasn’t necessarily the bid itself — although, ultimately, Minnesota’s offer was better — but in their inability to clear the necessary salary cap space to take on Hughes’ $7.85 million AAV.” [ESPN]
“The New Jersey Devils are struggling more now than they have in the last several seasons. That might seem dramatic, but it’s true. And recently losing the Quinn Hughes sweepstakes certainly doesn’t help. It begs the question, is GM Tom Fitzgerald on the hot seat?” [New Jersey Hockey Now]
Full support!
“Gritsyuk has excelled in forechecking, pickpocketing opponents, getting on top of puck carriers, play build-up, and every little aspect of the game. He does everything so well, which is why he’s served as somewhat of an elixir for Sheldon Keefe. Every player, or line, Gritsyuk crosses paths with instantly becomes a whole lot better. That’s no exaggeration.” [Infernal Access ($)]
Roster news:
Hockey Links
Buffalo makes a GM change:
“This wasn’t about a single whiffed trade or even last year’s infamous ‘palm trees and taxes’ news conference. This was a general manager who became increasingly closed off, inside and outside the building, as the team began to face heightened pressure to compete. He failed to act proactively in the face of obvious issues with the roster in recent seasons, and the Sabres’ playoff drought extended to an NHL-record 14 seasons under his watch.” [The Athletic ($)]
Who are the front-runners for the Norris Trophy? [The Hockey News]
Nick Saban joins NHL ownership:
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