The New Jersey Devils’ failure to make a significant addition at the NHL’s March trade deadline contributed to their first-round playoff exit.
However, it wasn’t due to a lack of effort by GM Tom Fitzgerald.
According to RG.Org’s Jim Biringer, Fitzgerald was interested in Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators. The 34-year-old two-way center lacks a no-trade clause, but the Predators treated him like he had one.
O’Reilly preferred to stay in Nashville, prompting the Predators to set a very high asking price. Biringer claimed they wanted three young assets in return, but Fitzgerald didn’t want to pay a premium to get him.
Biringer also cited a source suggesting the Devils could move defenseman Simon Nemec or right winger Dawson Mercer this summer for a return that upgrades the roster.
Maybe Nemec and Mercer could be used in a bigger deal to acquire a superstar defenseman. Larry Brooks of the New York Post included Nemec and Mercer in his proposed trade package for Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes.
Brooks observed Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford’s recent remarks indicating that Hughes may want to play one day with his brothers, Jack and Luke, who both skate for the Devils.
The Post pundit believes it’s only a matter of time until the Hughes brothers are reunited, and it won’t happen with the Canucks, pointing out that Quinn’s contract expires in 2027. He thinks it’s in the best interest of both teams to make this deal happen sooner rather than later.
Brooks isn’t basing his proposal on any inside info from the Canucks or Devils. There’s nothing in the grapevine suggesting the two clubs are discussing a reunion of the Hughes brothers, and Rutherford has indicated the Canucks will do everything they can to keep Hughes in Vancouver. Rutherford also suggested on the 100% Hockey with Millard & Shannon podcast last Friday that Hughes hasn’t told him he wants to play with his brothers, but it’s “been out there” and “people assume that.”
Nevertheless, this likely won’t be the last time Quinn Hughes is linked to the Devils in the NHL rumor mill.
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