James Nichols
It’s become more and more apparent that if the New Jersey Devils are going to upgrade at forward this summer, it’ll have to be through trade.
Free agency is slim pickin’s, and if the Devils want a legitimate running mate with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, they’re unlikely to find him on the open market. And with the increase in chatter around a certain power forward in Toronto, you wonder if Sunny Mehta can find a way to pry him from up North.
Of course, we’re talking about Matthew Knies. If you haven’t already read it, I wrote more on why I think Knies is a gamble the Devils should make this summer.
If Knies doesn’t work out, another name that’s popped up on the rumor mill intrigues me, although I admitedly have not looked too much into it yet. Via The Athletic, an updated NHL Trade Board features Valeri Nichushkin—which I didn’t see coming.
Elsewhere, more changes behind New Jersey’s bench, under-the-radar free agents, and a trade!
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: More and more, we’re hearing that the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t opposed to trading Matthew Knies. I remain that he’s worth the gamble despite a down year in 2025-26. He just might be the Jack Hughes line solution we’ve been waiting for.
More changes are coming for the Devils behind the bench as Jeremy Colliton steps down from his position as associate coach for other opportunities not related to any NHL openings.
📺 Devils Rink Report: The Devils are seriously gauging trade interest in Jacob Markstrom. Could they actually pull off shedding that big contract this summer? I broke it all down on the latest Devils Rink Report.
Full epsiode here 👇🏼
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NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
The Athletic ($): The NHL free agent pool isn’t robust by any sense. However, here are 10 under-the-radar free agents that could be useful on the open market.
On the trade front, a new big name is added to the board by Chris Johnston that perhaps wasn’t expected.
Sportsnaut: The NHL and NHLPA have concluded their investigation into Mike Babcock from his time in Columbus and have determined he is allowed to pursue work in the league again. It’s your turn, Edmonton Oilers.
Boston Hockey Now: Another day, another trade as the Boston Bruins trade NCAA standout Andre Gassau and a pick out West for a pair of draft selections.
San Jose Hockey Now: Here’s what the scouts say Michael Kesselring can bring to the San Jose Sharks.
Colorado Hockey Now: Remember when Devils fans were fuming that they traded Zakhar Bardakov? Yeah, well the Colorado Avalanche forward is returning to Russia.
Florida Hockey Now: Sergei Bobrovsky is reportedly looking for another big payday with the Florida Panthers, and they may have some tough decisions ahead on their veteran netminder.
