James Nichols
There’s no doubt the New Jersey Devils—despite the increase in the salary cap—will be in a bit of a cap crunch this summer.
We touched on it already, but Simon Nemec, who is due a contract, is the subject of trade rumor. Not for the false reasons we at New Jersey Hockey Now already debunked, but because of said cap crunch.
More in the links below from The Athletic regarding the Devils’ salary cap future.
Elsewhere, Auston Matthews and Toronto meet, Chris Pronger interviews for a front office job, and more.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
The Athletic ($): Seven NHL teams—including the Devils—are staring down a real salary cap crunch this offseason with tough calls looming that could force them to lose key players.
📺 Devils Rink Report: Despite the debunked trade request rumors, the Devils could still move Simon Nemec this summer—and here’s why we broke down on the latest Devils Rink Report why it might actually make sense for their roster needs.
After missing the playoffs, the Devils are doubling down on Sheldon Keefe—smart continuity or a costly mistake heading into 2026-27? 👇🏼
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NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens’ lack of shots doomed them in Game 3, despite some flashes of fight, Montreal couldn’t generate enough offense against Carolina’s stifling defense.
Forever Blueshirts: Jaroslav Chmelar scores his first goal at the IIHF World Championship — another strong step forward for the New York Rangers’ promising young prospect.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: With their prospect pool finally ripening in Wilkes-Barre, is it time for Kyle Dubas to lean harder into a Pittsburgh Penguins youth movement and clear more room for the next generation?
Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins hand out their goaltending report cards after a huge bounce-back year — with Swayman headlining a strong season between the pipes.
Colorado Hockey Now: Nathan MacKinnon’s status for Game 4 is still unknown—and the Colorado Avalanche could be facing a massive blow at the worst possible time.
Sportsnet: The Toronto Maple Leafs front office held a positive meeting with captain Auston Matthews and it could hint at some important conversations about his future.
TSN: Speaking of Toronto, Chris Pronger confirmed he interviewed for the Maple Leafs’ top front office job, and it could signal a major shift in their hockey operations.
