Is Team USA Quietly Building a Superteam in New Jersey?

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A wild conspiracy theory that started this offseason has picked up steam, given how the last couple of weeks have unfolded in the NHL. The theory that made the rounds then and is starting to look like a real possibility now is that members of the Team USA Olympic roster may have hatched a plan and coordinated their efforts to land on the same club. It sounds far-fetched, but the pieces are starting to fall into place.

Over the weekend, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was traded to the New Jersey Devils, months after he publicly demanded a move. The timing raised eyebrows, as the deal came just days after reports surfaced that Hellebuyck’s Team USA teammate Dylan Larkin, the former Detroit Red Wings captain, had expanded his own trade list.

Care to guess which team was among the new additions?

That’s right: the Devils. It’s interesting, given that the Montreal Canadiens are said to be eager to get Larkin to waive his no-trade clause to join them, but he’s hesitant to do so, despite the natural fit the Canadiens appear to be.

Add in the persistent speculation that Team USA defenseman Quinn Hughes is holding off on signing an extension in Minnesota and wants to join his brothers, Luke and Jack, in New Jersey, and the rumor mill has plenty to work with. Hughes would complete a family reunion while also giving the Devils a remarkable collection of American talent.

Even respected NHL insider Elliotte Friedman acknowledged the buzz this week. While he stopped short of promising anything on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, he conceded that it sure looks like a coordinated effort. He can’t say with certainty that New Jersey will pull it all off, but noted that the Hellebuyck deal certainly looks like the first step in a multi-step plan.

Time Will Tell If This Is All Just a Coincidence

Whether this is a genuine orchestrated effort or simply a series of coincidences remains to be seen. Players have more influence over their destinations than ever, and with the Olympic roster bonding over shared national pride, it isn’t hard to imagine conversations happening behind the scenes.

For now, all eyes are on the Devils. If Larkin and Hughes follow Hellebuyck to New Jersey, the conspiracy theorists may get to say they called it.

How Would the Devils Make the Money Work?

For those suggesting that this isn’t possible because of salary cap restrictions and no-trade clauses, take a closer look. First, Hellebuyck was added without much issue. His $8.5 million salary fits in nicely. On the surface, the $121K that New Jersey has left in current space makes it seem unlikely they add anyone else. Maybe not.

If the Devils trade for Larkin, they’ll need to move money out. Dougie Hamilton seems like a wise place to start. His $9 million salary more than covers the cost for Larkin. New Jersey could either dump Hamilton in a separate trade or move him in the Detroit deal. He does carry a full no-move, but if the plan is to tell Hamilton that he’s not going to be retained after his contract is over, he might be willing to waive for the right location.

As for Hughes, that’s the big one. The Devils won’t need to trade for him as he’s a pending UFA. The money is the issue. It would require the Devils saying goodbye to Brenden Dillon, Cody Glass, and Evan Rodrigues as free agents (around $9.5 million in salary). If the new money being added to the salary cap isn’t enough to cover what could be a $20 million per season salary, there’d need to be some other pieces moved if Hughes wasn’t open to taking a team-friendly deal to play with his brothers (which should all assume he will be.)

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Senators, Oilers, Canadiens, Sabres & Red Wings