Last night, I made the BOLD claim, apparently, that the New York Islanders’ 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals was huge for the New Jersey Devils.
Now, relax, vultures. While I’m aware that the playoffs are improbable, there’s no denying that every Islanders loss is a Devils opportunity. New Jersey just has to get their… stuff together.
In the links, if they’re going to make a magical postseason push, it begins with their franchise face. The latest on his injury status is below.
Elsewhere, a change in Nashville, an ex-Blueshirts heartbreak, and more.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Will Jack Hughes be available to play tonight vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets? Sheldon Keefe provides the latest update.
📺 Devils Rink Report: What should the Devils do with the newly acquired cap space after the Ondrej Palat trade? Arthur Staple joined me on the latest Devils Rink Report to discuss.
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NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
The Athletic ($): Hmm, you wonder if this impacts the Devils’ ability to trade with the Nashville Predators at all. Barry Trotz is stepping down as GM.
Forever Blueshirts: Ex-New York Rangers forward Derek Stepan recalls the time he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in what he described as ripping his “heart out of his chest.”
San Jose Hockey Now: Sheng Peng spoke with both Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard, asking their thoughts on the constant comparisons between them. The San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks stars actually have no interest in the topic.
Colorado Hockey Now: Clarity. Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will play for Team Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics after a brutal injury scare.
Philly Hockey Now: What’s the role of the captain on a young Philadelphia Flyers squad that’s mostly youth-driven? Sean Couturier and Rick Tocchet discuss.
Montreal Hockey Now: MHN is making the case for Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki being in the Selke Trophy race.
