Could the Devils shop for a short-term replacement for sidelined center Jack Hughes? What type of trade do the Maple Leafs want to make? What’s the Rangers’ biggest need? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
WILL THE DEVILS MAKE A TRADE FOR A SHORT-TERM REPLACEMENT FOR JACK HUGHES?
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh looked at the New Jersey Devils’ options as they face the next eight weeks without leading scorer Jack Hughes. The 24-year-old center injured a finger in a freak accident during a recent team dinner, requiring surgery to repair the damage.
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (NHL Images).
One option could be making a trade as a stopgap. However, centers are scarce, and many teams are currently searching for them. Trade targets could include Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames.
Baugh suggested acquiring a winger if finding a suitable center isn’t feasible. He suggested Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks and Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks as trade candidates.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils cannot let their strong start to this season go to waste in Hughes’ absence. He recommends going the trade route, suggesting O’Reilly, Kadri, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the New York Islanders as possible options.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him like he does. For now, there’s no indication that he wants out of Nashville or that management is shopping him. Kadri’s been the focus of media trade chatter for weeks, but Flames ownership isn’t keen on moving him.
As for Pageau, it’s unlikely the Islanders will move him this early in the season, especially when they’re currently in a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. If they stay in that position or higher in the standings as the season progresses, Pageau won’t be going anywhere.
MAPLE LEAFS SEEK “ROSTER FOR ROSTER” DEAL
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t interested in trading futures or prospects (such as Easton Cowan) for immediate help.
Instead, they want to make a hockey trade, “roster for roster”, in which they’re exploring what’s on their roster that might have value in the trade market. Friedman stressed that the core players wouldn’t be part of that.
Friedman spoke about a recent rumor linking the Maple Leafs to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. He claimed they tried to do it last season, and he doesn’t believe it’s a match for Toronto.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs’ prospect pool isn’t that deep. Depleting it further will only hurt them in the long run. As for “roster for roster”, there isn’t much there that would bring in any upgrades. Nick Robertson, Max Domi, and Calle Jarnkrok have been mentioned as possible trade candidates, but it’s doubtful they’d fetch much of an upgrade.
RANGERS NEED A PUCK-MOVING DEFENSEMAN
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes the need for a puck-moving defenseman has become a priority for the New York Rangers. Adam Fox is off to a strong start this season, but there’s no one else on their blueline who ranks above average in the skills department.
Baugh wouldn’t quibble with anyone suggesting the Rangers also need a top-six winger. However, he’s withholding judgment until he sees what top prospect Gabe Perreault can do.