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The Quinn Hughes-to-Devils trade rumors are heating up again.
On Saturday night, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported that New Jersey has had “at least one” conversation with the Vancouver Canucks about acquiring the superstar defenseman. Friedman made sure to stress that nothing seemed close — especially given the work the Devils would have to do to make Hughes fit under their salary cap.
Hughes carries a $7.85 million cap hit through 2027. According to Puck Pedia, the Devils have $2.8 million in cap space.
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“I do not believe there is anything imminent,” Friedman said, via his Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. “I don’t even know that they’re anywhere far along. But I do believe that a conversation was had about where things stand and where they might be going.”
Hughes, 26, has been in trade rumors for months. Brothers Jack and Luke, both Devils stars, have contracts that expire through the 2029-30 and 2031-32 seasons.
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Additionally, Friedman reported that the Devils have been busy working the phones on deals for Nashville Predators forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos.
The Devils need to make a splashy trade given the 4-8-0 stretch they’re on since Jack Hughes injured his hand. They’ve scored one goal in their last nine periods, which includes a 4-1 loss to Boston on Saturday night, their fifth loss in a row.