Jack Hughes did enough to re-establish himself as a New Jersey Devils loyalist by performing in the Olympics. Then he scored the golden goal. And amid his wild success last month, when he returned, he expressed his devotion to the Devils, which certainly put everyone's minds at ease considering the Quinn Hughes debacle earlier this year.
Now, Michael Russo explains how the Minnesota Wild GM is preparing for his next big change. Could it be Auston Matthews? More on that below, but if that's the case, Devils fans no longer have to worry about Jack being ready to play alongside Quinn for Minnesota, if that happens.
Additionally, Hughes set a new record in New Jersey.
Elsewhere, there's Evgeni Malkin's contract update, Artemi Panarin's Broadway return, and the Hockey World Cup's three host cities.
Devil's Trade Rumors and News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Amid a thrilling overtime win thanks to some heroics from Paul Cotter, Jack Hughes set a new Devils franchise record en route to a 4–3 victory over the Bruins.
In case you missed it, here's the thrilling overtime goal by Kotter.
Here's Paul Cotter's hilarious insight into his shootout winner and his thought process going into the one-on-one with Joonas Korpisalo.
📺 devil's rink report: Is Tom Fitzgerald on the hot seat, or did his comments at the 2026 NHL trade deadline feel like he's really going nowhere? Pasha Eshghi joins me for the latest Devils Rink Report to discuss what the GM needs to do to take the heat off himself if he does indeed return next season.
Full episode here 👇🏼 Watch the full Devils Rink report here:
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NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now
athletic ($): It's amazing to me that the United States has won Olympic gold medals in all three of men's, women's, and Paralympic sledge hockey, and yet, the World Cup of Hockey will be held exclusively outside the US. In 2028, the NHL announced yesterday that the host cities will be Calgary, Edmonton and Prague.
More confirmed ($): Perhaps Devils fans will feel relieved if this happens. Could Minnesota Wild GM Bill Geering pursue Auston Matthews this summer? It appears Guerin is preparing for his next superstar swing, and something has to give in Toronto. Of course, that would put Jack Hughes out of the Wild's reach, and Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has no desire to move their franchise face in any way. More from Michael Russo.
pittsburgh hockey now: Evgeni Malkin doesn't seem concerned at all about a potential next contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. here's why.
Forever Blueshirts: In his return to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Rangers, Artemi Panarin provided an assist in the Los Angeles Kings' 4–1 win.
