Devils Daily: NHL Trade Discussions, Ross Colton Whispers Return; NHL Awards

The 2024 NHL Awards were handed out on Thursday night, the first of a few busy days out in Vegas which will feature quite a bit of NHL trade discussion. New Jersey Devils rookie defenseman Luke Hughes was one of three nominees along with Connor Bedard and Brock Faber for the Calder Trophy awarded to the NHL’s best rookie. Hughes placed third in voting as the Calder was awarded to Bedard.

Still, Hughes was recognized for his stellar rookie season, earning 2024 All-Rookie Team honors along with Bedard, Faber, Logan Cooley, Marco Rossi, and Pyotr Kochetkov

The full list of award winners can be found here.

In the links, what we’re hearing about Devils defenseman/winger Brendan Smith. Plus, NJHN’s final seven-round mock draft, predicting each pick.

Elsewhere, the Ross Colton trade whispers return, Philly aggressively pursued a trade with Columbus to move up in the draft, and even more trade discussion.

Let’s do that hockey.

Devils News

New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils are going through a bit of a makeover this summer. In fact, they’ve already started by acquiring their desired goaltender, solidifying their crease presence before we even got to the 2024 NHL Draft. There’s expected to be more activity leading up to the weekend and perhaps it will even go down on the draft floor. Internally, however, there are still some decisions to be made, including with veteran defenseman/winger, Brendan Smith.

More NJHN: The NHL Draft is here and the Devils are ready to be on the clock. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald enters the draft armed with the 10th overall pick in the first round, and five picks in rounds two through seven. Our Nick Natale put on his GM hat and predicted the Devils’ six picks between Friday and Saturday.

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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: It can’t be announced until July 1st, but the Nashville Predators and goaltender Juuse Saros are closing in on an eight-year extension. The once Devils trade target is staying put in Nashville long-term. It begs the question, whats the future there — if any — for Yaroslav Askarov?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: While the Ottawa Senators and Devils got their goalies, and the Chicago Blackhawks were paid a second-rounder to take on Ilya Mikheyev. The Pittsburgh Penguins need to find their own middle-six bargains in this buyers market.

Boston Hockey Now: After being out of the league for the last three seasons, former Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julian has been hired by the St. Louis Blues as an assistant coach on Thursday, joining a staff led by new head coach Drew Bannister.

San Jose Hockey Now: San Jose Sharks GM is wheelin’ and dealin’! GM Mike Grier pulled off a deal in a Sharks trade to move up to 11th overall at the 2024 NHL Draft. He then acquired Carl Grundstrom from the Los Angeles Kings.

Colorado Hockey Now: Remember those Ross Colton whispers from about a week ago? They’re back. Another NHL insider believes there’s a chance the New Jersey native could be traded to clear cap room for the Colorado Avalanche.

Florida Hockey Now: At the 2024 NHL Awards, Sergei Bobrovsky was one of three finalists nominated for the Vezina Trophy to be awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender. Although he lost out to Connor Hellebuyck, Bobrovsky still entered and exited with hardware as he brought the Stanley Cup with him.

NYI Hockey Now: With the need to clear cap space, there’s been speculation swirling about that the New York Islanders could very well move center J.G. Pageau. Playing devil’s advocate, what if they moved Casey Cizikas, instead?

Philly Hockey Now: Today should be fun. The fourth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft was up for grabs Wednesday as multiple reports revealed an aggressive Philadelphia Flyers trade push with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the first-round pick.

Calgary Hockey Now: It’s clear the Washington Capitals are trying to make a push this season. They snuck into the playoffs in the spring just to be swept by the New York Rangers. Now, they’ve acquired Pierre-Luc Dubois and on Thursday, traded for Andrew Mangiapane in exchange for a draft pick.

Chicago Hockey Now: Unsurprisingly, Connor Bedard took home the honors as the NHLs best rookie.

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