NJHN Daily: Luke Hughes, Devils Update; Russian NHLers Nearly Banned by Biden

This is a loaded daily. First, an update on where Luke Hughes and the New Jersey Devils are at via Sportsnet. It’s good news, although it doesn’t necessarily speed up the process. Also in Devils-related news, we knew the Devils weren’t bringing anyone else on the roster from last season who wasn’t already under contract, but one forward inked a deal with a new team.

Elsewhere, and I swear I never thought I’d write this, but… Joe Biden’s administration tried to strong hand Russia through the NHL?! Plus, a Matthew Tkachuk update, and Keith Kinkaid’s quest back to the big leagues.

Let’s do that hockey.

Devils Trade Rumors & News

ProHockeyRumors: According to Luke Fox of Sportsnet, Luke Hughes and the Devils are mutually interested in a long-term deal, somewhere in the seven-year range.

In case you missed it, Nathan Bastian is officially an ex-Devil. The 27-year-old winger signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Stars. He returns to the Prudential Center with his new club on Dec. 3rd for his first match against his former team.

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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche have been contenders for a while now. However, they’ve struggled to get past the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after they were crowned champions in 2022. Here’s what’s standing between them and another long championship run in 2026.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Well, this is certainly insight I didn’t see coming. Apparently, the Joe Biden administration considered banning Russian players from the NHL, such as Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin, to pressure Vladimir Putin following his invasion.

Florida Hockey Now: Matthew Tkachuk is the face of EA Sports’ NHL 26, but the Florida Panthers might be without the face of their franchise for a bit next season. If he goes under the knife to repair the damages he suffered at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Tkachuk revealed he’ll be out long-term.

Forever Blueshirts: Keith Kinkaid wants to get back into the NHL. The ex-Devils & New York Rangers netminder hasn’t stepped on NHL ice since 2022-23. But, he’s hoping his play in 3Ice helps pave the way back to hockey’s top level.

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By James Nichols

James is a fully credentialed New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on Sportsnaut and the ... More about James Nichols