It feels like this offseason has lasted a lifetime, right? Alas, it’s time to put that to bed. Veterans officially are reporting at the Prudential Center today for the start of New Jersey Devils training camp, and there’s plenty to break down before we reporters get our boots on the ground at The Rock tomorrow for the first media availability of the season. To quote Adam Sandler’s Zohan Dvir, “so, let’s go.”
Devils Trade Rumors & News
The Athletic ($) With training camp here, the end to the Luke Hughes saga is in sight, per Pierre LeBrun, as the two sides “grind away at a resolution.” Reportedly, a long-term contract “remains the preferred option for both sides” as well, which then opens up the question of financial flexibility. The Devils don’t have much, although you can be over the cap up until Opening Night. LeBrun suggests to keep an eye on Dougie Hamilton as somebody who could be moved, although he doesn’t feel it is imminent, but “more something to file away closer to the March 6 trade deadline, depending on how things play out.” READ MORE HERE
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic ($) In the first player poll of the 2025-26 season, an expansion to an 84-game campaign (which would be in exchange for a 13-day training camp, fewer preseason games and no fitness testing starting in 2026-27) is an extremely popular idea among the current player body, with 32 out of 39 players voting in favor of the expanded schedule. “I’d rather play meaningful games than two more meaningless preseason games,” said an anonymous Eastern Conference defenseman polled. Another anonymous poll worth noting, could the next face of the league reside in Silicon Valley? Reigning Calder Trophy Winner Macklin Celebrini ran away with the poll, securing 24 out of 39 votes. Of note, Jack Hughes did receive a singular vote out of the anonymous poll. READ MORE HERE
