標籤: interim

New Jersey Devils star forward Jack Hughes and Team USA will face Jack’s teammate Simon Nemec and Team Slovakia in the semi-finals today. Winners play for golf. The loser plays for bronze. Either way, every Devil has a chance to win a medal by the end of the weekend.

In the links, Luke Hughes is on the ice. So, when can he return to the Devils’ lineup?

Elsewhere, USA Women’s Golden Thursday, Team Canada’s next captain, and some NHL trade talk.

Let’s do that hockey.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: While the Devils continue their quest for Olympian gold, the rest of the team is back on the ice in New Jersey. Luke Hughes is also injured. When is he eligible to return to the lineup?

In Milan, there was a full day off for the men’s side of Olympic hockey. Here’s what’s on the slate for the semi-final matches today:

📺 Devils Rink Report: Okay, so almost every Devils player that went to Milan played their personal best game all season. So, what gives? Because it seems like they can’t get it back together in New Jersey. Is this an individual performance? Roster construction? Head coach? Well, Sheldon Keefe’s former assistant, Jack Hahn, joins me today to discuss the Devil’s Rink Report.

We’re live between the semi-final games at 1pm. Like and subscribe 👇🏼

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The Athletic ($): Here’s how Devils defenseman Simon Nemec is living his childhood dream with Team Slovakia alongside Juraj Slafkowski and Dalibor Dworski.

NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

The Athletic ($): USA! USA! USA! The women’s U.S. Olympic hockey team scored a golden goal yesterday to win the gold medal and win the women’s pool over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Forever Blueshirts: As we approach the NHL trade deadline, Brandon Schneider is in the midst of several trade rumors. However, he is blocking out the noise and focusing on the New York Rangers.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The latest diagnosis on Pittsburgh Penguins and Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby’s injury isn’t the final diagnosis, but it’s at least encouraging.

Sportsnet: Speaking of Crosby, if he’s not allowed to play in the semifinals against Finland, IIHF rules require someone to wear the ‘C’. It is clear who it should be.

Boston Hockey Now: The St. Louis Blues are definitely selling. Well, the Boston Bruins have been linked to defenseman Justin Faulk. Is he suitable for B?

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are headlining the first UFC event of 2026 this weekend.

The top-ranked lightweight stars are set to meet in the main event of UFC 324 with the interim lightweight title on the line.

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Gaethje proved he could still mix it up at the top when he defeated Rafael Fiziev last March, having been brutally knocked out by Max Holloway at UFC 300.

The American is hoping to reclaim the interim strap at 155lbs that he previously held for five months in 2020.

He lost his opportunity to secure the division’s undisputed belt against Khabib Nurmagomedov in the same year – the Russian legend’s last ever fight.

Pimblett, meanwhile, has been calling for his chance to challenge for gold at lightweight since he beat up Michael Chandler in Miami nine months ago.

Should the Liverpudlian overcome Gaethje, he may finally get the opportunity to fight his long-term, bitter rival and UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.

Topuria is currently taking a break from the sport due to a personal matter.

This will provide Pimblett and Gaethje with extra motivation heading into their fight, as they will know there is a chance they could get elevated to undisputed status if Topuria vacates his belt.

The pair are set to kick off an exciting 2026 schedule in Dana White’s promotion, with UFC White House on the horizon and the Paramount+ deal already underway.