Coincidence that Quinn Hughes is dealt, and the New Jersey Devils finally win on home ice with no more off-ice distraction?
Well, Sheldon Keefe says it is, but I’m not so sure. The Devils looked the best they have in a while on Saturday, and they did so against the Anaheim Ducks, who have established themselves as a legitimate threat.
Also below, Keefe did admit that the Quinn rumors were a distraction to the Devils’ locker room. Plus, Luke Hughes reacts to his brother being traded.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Now that the Quinn Hughes sweepstakes has come to a head, things can finally settle—at least for a short while—as those involved in the NHL trade rumors are a bit more secure. Devils head coach, Sheldon Keefe, admitted it was a weight in the locker room.
More NJHN: The good news is that the Devils were able to press past the plethora of injuries they’re dealing with on Saturday, winning the first game of a back-to-back situation this weekend against the Anaheim Ducks.
Even More: The bad news is that the Devils have suffered another brutal injury, one that won’t be a “day to day” situation, when it was revealed on Saturday morning that Simon Nemec is injured and is going to miss time.
Devils Rink Report: Speaking with Luke Hughes after the game yesterday, he reacted to the Quinn Hughes trade that sent him to the Minnesota Wild, and admitted the Hughes brothers still want to play together.
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic ($): Here is how Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin pulled off the Quinn Hughes trade from the first phone call to the final fist pump, as told by Joe Smith.
Forever Blueshirts: Sounds like a Matt Rempe return is close for the New York Rangers. Have to wonder what kind of impact he can have on the team.
San Jose Hockey Now: Should the San Jose Sharks have tried to trade for Quinn Hughes? Sheng Peng explains.
Philly Hockey Now: The Vancouver Canucks won’t be moving forward with Lukas Reichel. He’s currently on waivers and is to be reassigned to Abbotsford. However, Will James questions whether he’s a claim candidate for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Chicago Hockey Now: Well, this can’t be good news for the injured Connor Bedard. The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled top prospect, Nick Lardis.
James is the New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on Sportsnaut and the PHWAs New … More about James Nichols