James Nichols
While some ex-New Jersey Devils hop on the ice this summer for some fun in the 3Ice games, the work off the ice doesn’t seem complete.
The Devils feel one piece short of being a true contender. I know, I’m banging this drum again. But, it’s true. They NEVER replaced Tyler Toffoli. Yes, their bottom-six contributed less last season. But, the Toffoli absence was felt. The Devils need a scorer, and there are some names circulating out there on the rumor mill.
One of those names is out of Pittsburgh. They have a Bryan Rust problem, which won’t make it easy for them to let him go. If they did, however, he’d be a really good fit in New Jersey.
Elsewhere, a late-night trade, Gavin McKenna’s decision, and new NHL CBA.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
Here’s a fun one. Former Devils players, Brian Gibbons, Keith Kinkaid, and Jeremy Brodeur will play in this summer’s 3Ice hockey league, and their head coach will be Ken Daneyko.
Former members of the #NJDevils organization:
Brian Gibbons, Keith Kinkaid & Jeremy Brodeur will be participating in @3IceHockey this summer.
— Daniel Amoia (@daniel_amoia) July 8, 2025
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Well, that’s a big get for the Edmonton Oilers. After Isaac Howard told the Tampa Bay Lightning he didn’t plan to sign with them, the Oilers trade for the former first-round pick, and immediately sign him to an entry-level contract. It’s a good return for the Lightning considering the circumstances.
🚨 TRADE ALERT 🚨
The #Oilers have acquired forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Sam O'Reilly. We have also signed Howard to a three-year entry-level contract. pic.twitter.com/k3UHkpv6Ik
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 9, 2025
NHLPA: Big news, the NHL & NHLPA ratified a new collective bargaining agreement which starts next season through 2029-30.
ESPN: Likely first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft made his decision on where he will be spending the 2025-26 season. Gavin McKenna is joining Penn State.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: For the right cost, the Pittsburgh Penguins must simply trade Bryan Rust. However, if they do, there’s one major implication it will have on Sidney Crosby. One that perhaps no one has thought of.
Colorado Hockey Now: Perhaps the only way to cap off Gabriel Landeskog’s three-year absence is his presence at the ESPY’s as a finalist for “Best Comeback Athlete.” The Colorado Avalanche captain will be present when the title is awarded.
NYI Hockey Now: After the work Mathieu Darche did this summer, the New York Islanders seemingly have an excess of forwards. The question is, what should they do with Pierre Engvall?
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