James Nichols
What a busy weekend it was for the New Jersey Devils. The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline didn’t present anything at all, but the Red & Black played host on back-to-back night’s at the Prudential Center, splitting the weekend—but ultimately snapped their win streak. Before that, however, the Simon Nemec rumors began flying about after the 3 P.M. deadline.
Sources explained New Jersey Hockey Now that there wasn’t any weight to the rumor. The Sharks called on the Devils defenseman to inquire on what it would take, however, that was the extent of the phone call. No names or offers were officially tabled, which means William Eklund was never “dangled.”
Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now has the Sharks perspective of the rumor in the links below.
Plus, Chris Drury’s gamble, Nazme Kadri’s immediate impact, and the brawl in Buffalo.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: On their second leg of a back-to-back, the Devils laid a goose egg against the Detroit Red Wings, snapping their four-game win streak.
📺 Devils Rink Report: After speaking with Tom Fitzgerald following his inactivity at the 2026 NHL trade deadline, Tom Fitzgerald certainly made it sound like Simon Nemec’s future in New Jersey is up in the air. On the latest Devils Rink Report, I dove into why that is.
Full episode here 👇🏼
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NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
Forever Blueshirts: Here’s why New York Rangers forwad Vincent Trocheck had a rollercoaster of emotions before the 2026 NHL trade deadline.
The Athletic ($): Speaking of Trocheck, here’s why Rangers GM Chris Drury is taking a big gamble by not trading him at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Here is the latest on the injury status for Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.
San Jose Hockey Now: On Friday, New Jersey Hockey Now reported that there was nothing to the Simon Nemec-William Eklund rumor. Here’s the San Jose Sharks side of the rumor.
Colorado Hockey Now: Nazem Kadri made an immediate impact in his return to the Colorado Avalanche. He showed why he still demands the spotlight despite the hiatus.
Philly Hockey Now: Speaking of instant impacts, David Jiracek is now a member of the Philadelphia Flyers‘ organization. With the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, he made his mark quickly as well.
Detroit Hockey Now: Here’s why Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson left after the second period of last night’s tilt in Newark.
Sportsnet: If for whatever reason you weren’t tuned into what happened last night in Buffalo, check this out. The Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning not only participated in a barn burner on the scoreboard, but they brawled multiple times throughout the night.
