NHL Trade Winds: Quinn Hughes, Oilers' Goaltending Woes, and Devils' Blockbuster Ambitions
The NHL rumor mill is churning at full speed as teams assess their needs and explore potential trades ahead of the deadline. Among the biggest names circulating is Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, while the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly desperate to solve their goaltending issues, and the New Jersey Devils are aiming for a blockbuster deal to bolster their roster.
Quinn Hughes Trade Talk Heats Up
The Vancouver Canucks' struggles this season have fueled speculation about the future of their star defenseman and captain, Quinn Hughes. Despite the Canucks not publicly stating their intention to trade Hughes, the possibility has become a major talking point around the league. Several teams have been linked to Hughes, including the New Jersey Devils and the Detroit Red Wings.
The Devils' potential interest is driven by the chance to unite Hughes with his brothers, Jack and Luke, in New Jersey. While Hughes has stated he is focused on playing well for Vancouver, he acknowledged being aware of the rumors. However, he also mentioned his relaxed approach and familiarity with Devils' GM Tom Fitzgerald, adding fuel to the speculation. The Canucks are reportedly open to discussing a trade for Hughes, and have had conversations with the Devils. However, any deal would require the Devils to "pay mightily". The Canucks would likely seek a significant return, focusing on quality over quantity, with multiple "blue-chip pieces" being a necessity. Potential trade pieces for the Devils could include top prospects such as Simon Nemec or Seamus Casey, and a high draft pick.
The Detroit Red Wings have also reportedly inquired about Hughes' availability. Hughes has ties to Michigan, having played for the United States National Team Development Program and the University of Michigan. While the Red Wings already have a top defenseman in Moritz Seider, adding Hughes would create a formidable defensive duo. However, it is believed that the Canucks would only trade Hughes for a prominent center, which might make some Red Wings' top prospects non-starters in a potential deal.
Other teams mentioned as potential destinations for Hughes include the Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks.
Oilers Scramble for Goaltending Help
The Edmonton Oilers' struggles in net have been well-documented this season, making goaltending a top priority as the trade deadline approaches. With inconsistent performances from Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, the Oilers are reportedly exploring all options to upgrade their goaltending.
The Oilers were recently linked to Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, a deal has been complicated by the Penguins' unwillingness to retain any of Jarry's salary. The Oilers are also reportedly interested in Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. Another potential target is John Gibson of the Detroit Red Wings, but his $6.4 million cap hit and no-trade clause could make a deal difficult.
Devils Aim for a Blockbuster
The New Jersey Devils, after a strong start to the season, have struggled recently, particularly with Jack Hughes out of the lineup. As a result, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is actively exploring trades to improve the team's performance. In addition to Quinn Hughes, the Devils have also been linked to veteran forwards Steven Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly. However, both Stamkos and O'Reilly would need to approve any trade due to their trade protection. The Devils possess a wealth of young assets, particularly on defense, which they could use to facilitate a major deal.
