James Nichols
Yesterday, there was an update on the acquitted 2018 Hockey Canada members in terms of a potential return to the NHL. That includes ex-New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod. In short, don’t hold your breath. More on that below.
In other Devils-related news, we debated yesterday whether it was worth it to invest in an aging, yet impact center. Elsewhere, the Devils own the king of contracts, a potential Evgeny Kuznetsov return, and the Quebec Nordiques are back (sort of)!
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Yesterday we debated. One major outlet linked Nazem Kadri as a fit for the Devils in a potential trade. Is the aging veteran center worth acquiring? This isn’t as one-sided of a debate as you might think.
The Athletic ($): By the way, according to the minds at The Athletic, Jack Hughes’ contract remains the king of contracts in the NHL.
In somewhat Devils-related news, Frank Seravalli reported yesterday that in a specific situation, the speculated Carter Hart signing with the Edmonton Oilers rumor has no legs. The five acquitted 2018 Hockey Canada members have yet to be reinstated by the NHL to return to work.
Seravalli explained that from the Oilers perspective, Hart is a “non-starter.” That’s going to remain true for the four other players who were acquitted alongside Hart. Therefore, for those banging the Michael McLeod drum, don’t hold your breath. That won’t be happening, at least not any time soon.
Carter Hart is a "non-starter" for the Edmonton Oilers as the five former Hockey Canada players acquitted of sexual assault remain ineligible to play in the NHL (w/ @frank_seravalli) pic.twitter.com/4FNDVaYRAA
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) July 29, 2025
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Well, apparently the Colorado Avalanche will have a new sweater next season. The Quebec Nordiques look is returning, this time in blue.
They’re expected to be blue this time https://t.co/iexjwtClZA
— Adrian Dater (@adater) July 28, 2025
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins are the only team admitting they’re in sell-now mode, sans Sidney Crosby, and are looking to make trades. That’s because they want to tank for Gavin McKenna. Imagine that? From Mario Lemieux, right to Crosby, and then a potential torch pass to the next generational talent coming in the 2026 NHL Draft? What a thought. However, if they don’t land the first overall pick, here are the other players to watch for the Penguins’ rebuild.
Colorado Hockey Now: What’s the old saying? You could never have enough centers. We know that Evgeny Kuznetsov is looking to make an NHL return courtesy of his agent going public with the information. Is he a fit for the Colorado Avalanche?
NYI Hockey Now: You know what is the biggest indicator of the summer so far that things are really changing for the New York Islanders? Their players aren’t under a podcasting embargo with Lou Lamoriello any longer. As such, Mathew Barzal and Matt Martin have recently participated in some major guest appearances, bringing a breath of fresh air on Long Island.
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