Okay, New Jersey Devils fans. I’m talking directly to you in this one.
I had some time to sleep on and digest what we saw last night when the Devils hosted the Carolina Hurricanes. For starters, I understand the frustration with the season as a whole. They missed Quinn Hughes, and the Devils were supposed to be better this season. Injuries—yet again—became too much, and now they’re middling and have questions.
As a result of that frustration, Luke Hughes had the wrong game at the wrong time. Tempers boiled over, fans let Luke hear it, and he was the scapegoat of it all amid a tough game. Yes, the contract is a factor, but in a few years if/when he’s the clear-cut No.1 defenseman, no one will be batting an eye at it.
However, he has to get there first, right? And I don’t mean in terms of talent. I’m talking about Luke in New Jersey. Be careful what you wish for, folks. Because what do you think Luke and Jack Hughes discussed on the car ride home Sunday night? And what do you think Bill Guerin is thinking about how Devils fans treated their 22-year-old who is projected to be a star.
I’m not suggesting anything here is possible. This is just my gut speaking here. But, Luke is a core piece, one that I, but more importantly, the organization and his teammates, believe is going to be a huge part of the solution here. You don’t want to run this guy out of town. Because if you do, you know who follows, and that’s a disastrous future I don’t think anyone wants to see happen.
I know many of you didn’t co-sign the behavior, at least that’s what I saw on social. So, at the next chance, whether it be a key play, or perhaps a goal, you better rain down the love on Luke so that we can all look back at Sunday night as a one-off, and not have to have this conversation again.
Signed, your local Devils reporter.
Okay, let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Halfway through the 2025-26 season, our James Birle handed out midseason report cards for each player. More inside on who has been spot on, a disappointment, and a bit of a surprise.
About last night’s game, yes, it was Luke Hughes’ worst game of the season. However, the Hurricanes smothered New Jersey. More inside on how it happened.
What I couldn’t believe was the reaction from Devils fans that I referenced earlier in the daily, booing the 22-year-old for the rest of the game. More inside on how and why the fans turned on Luke Hughes.
And finally, dissecting the loss, a few things were made clear. Yes, Luke’s rough outing was a factor, but the Devils tried to be too cute, and folded under the pressure from Carolina. Here’s 10 observations from last night’s game.
Devils Rink Report: From the locker room, we spoke with Luke Hughes right after the game. Good on him for coming out and facing it head on. You could tell how emotional he was. I’m curious to see how he responds on the ice.
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Forever Blueshirts: Speaking of report card grades, Jim Cerny handed out some grades of his own for the New York Rangers at the midway point of the Blueshirts season.
Florida Hockey Now: Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones will miss at least a game due to an injury sustained Friday, Paul Maurice said Sunday before his team played the Colorado Avalanche. Seems like its good news for his USA roster spot, something I was keeping an eye on myself.
Philly Hockey Now: After a poor ending to 2025, here’s why Will James says the Philadelphia Flyers started 2026 off on the right foot.
Montreal Hockey Now: The rollercoaster season for the Montreal Canadiens continues. However, on Sunday, the cart was ascending. Here’s how Juraj Slafkovsky and Lane Hutson shined in a big win vs. the Dallas Stars.
Toronto Hockey Now: Oh boy, Chris Tanev’s season may be over. According to a report, he’s to see more medical personnel this week to determine next steps, which could end the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman’s year.
