Apparently, complaining works. After a bevy of public criticism, it turns out the Carolina Hurricanes won’t be signing the acquitted ex-New Jersey Devils forward. More on that in a report by insider Chris Johnston below.
The bigger news out of New Jersey is the return of Luke Hughes. Lot’s on him, including advice he got from his brother, Quinn Hughes, below. Plus, read up on Simon Nemec’s encouraging night.
Elsewhere, a big extension in Florida, a significant injury in Pittsburgh, and how Luke’s new deal impacts future contracts.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: The morning after Luke Hughes signed his extension, he was at Devils practice. In fact, he skated with two groups because he didn’t play against the New York Rangers. So, who did he skate with in line rushes? Plus, an injured forward returned to the ice for the first time in training camp.
More NJHN: Speaking with Luke yesterday, he shed some light on what the contract negotiation process was like for him, the advice he got from his older brother, Quinn Hughes, who also went through a holdout process, and his desire to play with him at some point in his career.
Daily Faceoff: Via Matt Larkin, he has 10 bold predictions for the 2025-26 season, and one of those predictions involves a breakout year for the recently extended Devils star defenseman.
The Athletic ($): Here’s some big news. Ex-Devils forward, and acquitted 2018 Hockey Canada suspect, Michael McLeod, will not be signing with the Carolina Hurricanes after public backlash upon being linked to the team.
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Florida Hockey Now: The big news of the day outside of New Jersey was in Sunrise, where the Florida Panthers locked up key defenseman Niko Mikkola to a long-term extension. George Richards has all the details.
Vegas Hockey Now: The Carolina Hurricanes fan base certainly voiced their displeasure with their organization’s interest in a few acquitted players stemming from the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault trial. However, the Vegas Golden Knights are still seemingly expected to sign ex-Philadelphia Flyers goaltender, Carter Hart. More here from Will James.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: If it wasn’t already going to be a challenge for the Pittsburgh Penguins to start well out of the gate, things just got a lot tougher. One of their top wingers is going to miss the beginning of the regular season. Plus, a few more notes on some significant injuries.
The Athletic ($): Here’s an interesting thought. What does Luke’s extension in New Jersey do for Lane Hutson, who is working the 2025-26 season on an expiring contract?
James is the New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on Sportsnaut and a member of … More about James Nichols