Devils Trade: “If They’re Bringing in Somebody,… Have to Remove People”

“If they’re bringing in somebody, they’re going to have to remove people.” On the latest Saturday Headlines, Elliotte Friedman shared an update on an active week for the New Jersey Devils.

“You always ask, you say, who’s busy? What teams are active this week? And this week, the number one answer was, Devils: lot of balls in the air, really looking around to see what’s out there. Now, among their targets, they’re believed to include two players from Nashville: Steven Stamkos, who has say over this, and Ryan O’Reilly, who’s been promised verbally say over this.”

Related: Devils and Canucks Trade Conversation Confirmed By Insider

He added:

“But once Vancouver announced that they were open for business—sent that email around to the league—I do believe there was a conversation, at least one, between the Devils and the Canucks about Quinn Hughes. And I stress: I do not believe there is anything imminent. I don’t even know that they’re anywhere far along, but I do believe that conversation was had about where things stand and where they might be going.”

Devils Dollar in, Dollar Out

“Now, also, it should be mentioned with the Devils there—and because of their injury and cap situation—they’re dollar-in, dollar-out. So if they’re bringing in somebody, they’re going to have to remove people, and I think that’s why there’s so much time around the Devils. They’ve got a lot going on.

“And you have nothing else from the New Jersey side?” asked Ron McLean. “What would be the return?”

Friedman responded, “No, no, no, no.” McLean admitted, “Don’t even want to go there.”

Hughes’ contract expires after next season, and with Vancouver sinking to the bottom of the standings, his future is murky. Some believe he plans to test free agency or eventually request a trade, with New Jersey—home to brothers Jack and Luke—seen as his preferred landing spot.

Hughes has 22 points in 24 games and is reportedly growing impatient with Vancouver’s direction. He was asked about the rumors surrounding him and how much he’s aware or thinks about them. He told the media, “I mean I’m doing what I can, like you said, I’m on the ice. It wasn’t like, if there was a call, me Jim, and Fitzy hopped on the call. I wasn’t a part of that, but, obviously, I’m aware that you know things like that could happen for sure.”

Next: Trade Chatter Involves Kings Moving Phillip Danault [Report]