The nail may very well have been driven in the New Jersey Devils‘ 2025-26 season last night.
At this point, the math isn’t in New Jersey’s favor, especially after the New York Islanders won last night. In fact, the math hasn’t been in their favor for a while.
Now, after an inexcusable loss to a division rival last night, it’s clear the head coach is showing more frustration. He’s been able to reserve himself, until last night, when he made some pointed comments while identifying who to blame. More on that in the links.
Elsewhere, the Artemi Panarin sweepstakes as we near the Olymbic break roster freeze, Philly’s GM clears air on Matvei Michkov, and some other NHL trade rumors.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: It was important for the Devils to show up on Tuesday when they hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets with two games on the schedule before the Olympic break. They instead dropped a goose egg. More inside on the shameful loss.
After the embarrassment, a clearly frustrated Sheldon Keefe defended his system, insisting the problem instead is the Devils’ stars, and their lack of impact.
📺 Devils Rink Report: As the Devils continue to falter, Arthur Staple joined me on the latest Devils Rink Report to discuss the possibility of a shakeup that includes moving a piece of the core.
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NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
Forever Blueshirts: Here’s the latest from New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan on Artemi Panarin who is waiting to be traded.
The Atheltic ($): So, why haven’t the Rangers traded Panarin yet? Vince Mercogliano discloses the latest he’s hearing on the sweepstakes.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins nearly had two points on Long Island last night. Yet, they let it slip away. Dan Kingerski get’s inside the frustration after the Pens let a big win slip away.
San Jose Hockey Now: Macklin Celebrini did something that’s pretty unorthodox in the NHL. He waved off a penalty in his favor, essentially telling an official it was a bad call. The San Jose Sharks star explains the situation.
Florida Hockey Now: Well, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett is headed to Milan to play for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics after all.
Philly Hockey Now: There’s been a lot of negative discourse in Philadelphia Flyers land recently. The apparent wedge between head coach Rick Tocchet and star Matvei Michkov is apparently being driven deeper. GM Danny Briere spoke on such matters yesterday to clear the air.
Detroit Hockey Now: Here’s what DHN is hearing in terms of the Detroit Red Wings‘ status as a buyer and who they are linked to, including Panarin.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens have placed forward Samuel Blais on waivers, with the goal of sending him to the Laval Rocket should he clear. Marc Dumont explains why that decision is a questionable one.
Toronto Hockey Now: With the Toronto Maple Leafs trending toward being a seller, the Edmonton Oilers are linked to forward Bobby McMann.
