Certainly, no one overreacted to New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe naming a replacement for Luke Hughes should this contract holdout continue.
Oh, you didn’t see it? Well, the article is linked below, and the reactions are in the quotes and mentions from yesterday’s tweet. It’s… quite entertaining.
I get it. Emotions are high. This season is supposed to be different. Jack is supposed to be healthy, the core pieces are all there. Well, all except one, and now his best buddy might replace him.
Interesting times, indeed. More on that below.
Elsewhere, could Connor McDavid make his way to Manhattan? Calgary is still likely to trade a star defenseman, and the Habs’ elite first line.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Amid the contract holdout with the Devils, head coach Sheldon Keefe names Luke Hughes’ potential replacement in Ethan Edwards.
By the way, I touched on the Hughes/Edwards situation, and more on yesterday’s episode of The Sheet with Jeff Marek. You can catch it all near the 33.5-minute mark.
According to Pierre LeBrun—who has his finger on the pulse of this situation—in another update on Wednesday, the Devils and Luke Hughes aren’t even in the same ballpark on the average annual value.
Pierre LeBrun: Re Luke Hughes: They are just not in the ballpark on salary, as of last night anyway – Melnick in the Afternoon (9/24)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 25, 2025
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic ($): There’s a reason why the New York Rangers are in no rush to extend Artemi Panarin—who is working the 2025-26 season on an expiring contract. If Connor McDavid doesn’t re-sign in Edmonton, the Rangers will be front and center, seeking a contract with the best player in the game, or perhaps any of the big names who are projected to become UFAs next summer.
San Jose Hockey Now: Yaroslav Askarov is poised to assume No.1 duties for the San Jose Sharks this season. Here’s how he got himself there mentally, and more from the young and exciting Sharks training camp.
Vegas Hockey Now: According to recent reports, Carter Hart is narrowing down his list of suitors he’d consider playing for following his acquittal. Hanna Kirkell says despite the Vegas Golden Knights being squarely in the mix, they should avoid signing Hart.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens are one of the hottest up-and-coming young teams in the NHL right now, and they’re spearheaded by their elite top line, says MHNs Marc Dumont.
TSN: The Calgary Flames captain even admitted it a few weeks ago at the NHL European Player Media tour. A trade is still the most likely outcome for defenseman, Rasmus Andersson.
