NHL Weekend Rumors: Devils Cap Crunch, Quinn Hughes Market, and Oilers Trade Pressure

Talk about a busy few days in the NHL. The league’s trade market offered up two of the biggest storylines of the season this week as two big trades — Quinn Hughes to Minnesota and Tristan Jarry to Edmonton — dominated the news cycle. And, things might not be slowing down. According to multiple insiders, teams are calling, prices are being set, and frustration is mounting as contenders try to find workable paths forward.

Devils Tried to Add, But Cap Space Remains the Roadblock

The New Jersey Devils were in on Quinn Hughes and are actively attempting to make moves, but Elliotte Friedman made it clear that they weren’t able to pull of the trade of this season because they couldn’t clear the necessary cap space to get it done.

That will inevitably lead to questions about GM Tom Fitzgerald and the previous moves he’s made, but what else he might be looking at. If trade partners aren’t willing to take salary back, the Devils are being forced to explore alternative routes to clear space. How quickly can New Jersey can act? If they’re stuck, what happens to “Fitzy” if he can’t improve the roster?

Maple Leafs, Maccelli, and Ongoing Trade Exploration

Friedman also touched on Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Mattias Maccelli, noting that the winger hasn’t been an ideal fit in Toronto. Trade talk is circulating.

The Maple Leafs weren’t alone in their interest last summer, and Friedman believes some of those same teams could circle back if Maccelli becomes available. Meanwhile, Toronto continues to be one of the league’s most active callers, according to Frank Seravalli, as the team searches for a way to reshape its roster without sacrificing long-term flexibility.

Latest on Philip Danault and the Canadiens

Phillip Danault is another familiar name popping up and talk out of Los Angeles is that he could be on the move. Frank Seravalli reported the Montreal Canadiens have reached out to the Kings about a potential reunion, while Darren Dreger downplayed that possibility. Dreger wonders if Danault may simply be seeking a fresh start.

Flames and Stars Monitoring Defensive Options

In Calgary, Rasmus Andersson appears unlikely to reach an extension with the Calgary Flames. Seravalli described talks as amicable but fundamentally misaligned, with both sides far apart on term and value. Friedman added that Andersson has legitimate history with the Dallas Stars, and Jamie Oleksiak is another defenseman who could make sense as a reunion option for Dallas.

The Stars are also dealing with sudden urgency following Tyler Seguin’s injury. Friedman believes Dallas is surveying the market to determine what’s available, how much it will cost, and where best to allocate resources.

Quinn Hughes Market Included 6 Teams

Quinn Hughes was the centerpiece of league talk over the past 48 hours. He was traded to the Minnesota Wild, but not before teams like the Rangers, Capitals, Hurricanes, Red Wings, Devils, Sabres and others kicked tires.

The Wild stepped up, and the deal got done quickly, with Canucks’ President Jim Rutherford saying no one got close to what the Wild offered. It was the original offer tabled by Wild GM Bill Guerin that the Canucks chose to accept, and Hughes has given Minnesota no guarantees he’ll re-sign.

Nashville, Stamkos, and Marchessault

Chris Johnston and Nick Kypreos both believe Nashville could explore moving one or both of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, though neither contract will be easy to shift. Kypreos noted Marchessault’s appeal as a cheaper scoring option compared to Stamkos, which could influence how teams view potential returns.

Jarry Wanted the Oilers, Oilers Wanted Change

Reports by Elliotte Friedman suggest both Stuart Skinner and Tristan Jarry were ready for a change of scenery and Jarry was eager to join the Oilers. He has roots just outside of Edmonton and was up for the challenge. Friedman also suggested that tensions in Edmonton were high anytime Skinner faced setbacks and while the Oilers would have be good with him as a tandem option with Jarry, he was not likely to get the nod as the starter ahead of this season’s playoffs.

GM Stan Bowman said it was “time for something different.”

Next: What the Canucks Actually Got Back for Quinn Hughes