James Nichols
Social media has been kind of dead lately, and in the dead of summer, I’m trying to soak up as much free time as I can get. Therefore, I haven’t looked at my phone too much, however, when I popped open X the other day, I saw—as did most of you—the bold claim about the New Jersey Devils’ star, and the preference to take him over one of the stars in Toronto.
It was a bold claim, but not one that’s unfathomable. More on that below.
Plus, more on the Devils’ newest rookie, arriving soon.
Elsewhere, a new nugget of information that kept Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh, Jack Eichel’s contract, and more.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
NJ.com: Arseni Gritsyuk, the Devils’ prized winger who hails from Russia, is expected to arrive in New Jersey this week to start his NHL career. What’re the expectations for the KHL-import in his first year?
New Jersey Hockey Now: Back in May when Arseni Gritsyuk’s arrival became official, we wrote something very similar regarding the 24-year-old’s arrival
This take certainly sparked some debate. On the NHL Network, as they revealed their top-20 centers list heading into next season, analyst Mike Rupp claimed he would take a healthy Jack Hughes over Auston Matthews.
Yes, 60, almost 70-goalscorer Auston Matthews. Why?
He explains in the clip below.
“A healthy Jack Hughes, I would take him over Auston Matthews.” – @Rupper17
Are you taking Jack Hughes or Auston Matthews? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/3f0HLEpPU8
— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) August 24, 2025
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Remember when Evgeni Malkin nearly hit free agency and then signed an extension to remain with the Pittsburgh Penguins last minute? Turns out, as the bids continue to roll in with ownership, the regime that’s now selling the team told the ex-GM to offer him an extension.
Florida Hockey Now: They went to Disney World! Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues spent his day with the Cup with Mickey Mouse and his family in Orlando, Florida.
Colorado Hockey Now: Tyson Barrie has called it a career. After a 14-year NHL career, the former Colorado Avalanche defenseman hangs up the skates.
Vegas Hockey Now: The Vegas Golden Knights have yet to extend forward Jack Eichel who is going into the final year of his contract in 2025-26. Much like Connor McDavid in Edmonton, there’s no reason for Vegas fans to panic. Here’s why.
Philly Hockey Now: And if Jack Eichel isn’t going to stay in Vegas, Will James contemplates whether he’s a fit for the Philadelphia Flyers or not.
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