The New Jersey Devils are back in game action tonight, yet, Luke Hughes remains absent. That’s three preseason games now that he will be missing from, let alone eight days worth of on-ice activities.
This is officially uncomfortable. More below on what’s impacting this standoff.
Plus, Arseny Gritsyuk expectations.
Elsewhere, Carolina is closing in on two acquitted, Adam Fox is motivated, and more.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Don’t be so quick to blame Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald, and/or Luke Hughes for the contract holdout. There’s another big factor here.
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic ($): Adam Fox isn’t focused on the past. He downplayed the struggles he and the New York Rangers shared last season, whilst using it as motivation to be better in 2025-26.
More Athletic ($): Well, it looks like Carter Hart and ex-Devils forward, Michael McLeod, won’t have any trouble finding work. Both were acquitted as part of the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, and are now seemingly on their way back to the NHL The question is, will their teammates embrace them?
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: What’s that buzz in the air? The Pittsburgh Penguins just might be better than everyone thinks!
Boston Hockey Now: Zdeno Chara is officially back with the Boston Bruins. Except the former defenseman is taking on a new role with the organization.
Colorado Hockey Now: It sounds like the Colorado Avalanche and Martin Necas haven’t yet gotten into “the nitty-gritty” of their negotiations yet, according to an update from NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic and TSN.
Florida Hockey Now: Yikes! The Florida Panthers are already without Matthew Tkachuk for at least half the season. Now, Aleksander Barkov suffered an unfortunate injury. Worst of all, it wasn’t even during a game.
