James Nichols
The 2026 NHL Draft came and went. Now it’s time for the New Jersey Devils to zoom the lens in and focus on the now as opposed to the future.
You see, the Free Agent Frenzy—if you can even call it that with this years unexciting class—is just three days away. The Devils still have several voids to fill, and one less asset in terms of valuable trade compensation to use.
I mean, who knows. Perhaps there’s a team out there that desires Alexander Command. Who is to say they don’t value him more than the 12th overall pick the Devils used to select him.
Yet, the point is the Devils need to improve their roster, and they need to do it now. Sunny Mehta’s sample size is too small to judge. Yet, the hope is to see it trend in the right direction ain comparison to the previous regime.
We’ll see what the coming days bring.
In the links, the scouting report, analysis, and grades on each player New Jersey took on Saturday.
Elsewhere, a big, risky trade for Carolina, latest trade chatter on marquis players, and more.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Here’s the analysis and scouting report on every player taken on Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Devils.
📺 Devils Rink Report: Was it ideal that the Devils didn’t use the 12th overall selection in a trade for immediate help? No. However, the summer is long from over. I explain in the latest Devils Rink Report.
Here’s the rapid reaction to the Devils hanging onto their first round pick and taking Command 👇🏼
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NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
The Athletic ($): The Anaheim Ducks trade John Carlson to the Carolina Hurricanes on Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft. However, there’s no guarantee the veteran defenseman is going to sign an extension with the reigning Stanley Cup Champions.
Sportsnet Video: The latest NHL news is buzzing with trade rumors, draft reactions, and big moves across the league. Here’s what’s trending right now, including the latest on Zack Werenski, Connor Hellebuyck, Jason Robertson, and Dylan Larkin.
Forever Blueshirts: The New York Rangers just became a bit smaller after they traded hulking forward Adam Edstrom to the Nashville Predators.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins have reunited the Ruck twins grabbing both brothers in Rounds 1 & 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins just acquired forward Ivan Ivan from the Avs for a former first-round pick, a sneaky addition to Boston’s forward group.
Philly Hockey Now: The Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly one of Darnell Nurse’s three preferred destinations, opening the door for a potential blockbuster trade this summer.
Detroit Hockey Now: It’s all quiet on the Detroit Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin trade front for now, but that doesn’t mean the situation isn’t evolving behind the scenes.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens added Troy Trottier—Bryan Trottier’s grandson—and Alex Royston with back-to-back picks in the 2026 NHL Draft. These late-round selections could have some real upside.
