Star New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes told All-Star Game reporters, “I think I’m really close, hopefully I can come out of the break here and feel good, finish the year really strong.” Hughes has missed New Jersey’s last 10 games with an upper-body injury. The absences earned Hughes a spot on injured reserve ahead of the All-Star break, though that move was seemingly a paper transaction so the team could claim defenseman Nick DeSimone from the Calgary Flames.
This injury marks Hughes’ second long-term absence this season, with the star also missing five games earlier in the season with a shoulder injury. He’s been a force to be reckoned with when he is healthy, boasting 45 points through just 32 games. That ranks him second on the team in scoring, despite his absences, and fifth in the league in points per game. Hughes, 22, has done a lot to establish himself as the Devils’ franchise centerman of the future. Now, he just needs to prove he can stay healthy.
Other notes from around the league:
- The Montreal Canadiens aren’t planning on parting ways with defenseman David Savard, per team general manager Kent Hughes. Savard is in his third season with the Canadiens, joining the team via unrestricted free agency with a four-year, $14MM contract signed during the 2021 summer. It was the first time in Savard’s then 11-year career that he reached free agency and he made sure to return to his hometown team. Hughes isn’t looking to change that decision this Spring.
- Top defense prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka has returned to the Skelleftea organization after sitting out with an undisclosed injury suffered during the 2024 World Junior Championships. Sandin-Pellikka has been a standout name for Skelleftea, ranking third among the team’s defenders in scoring despite missing 13 games this season. He’s boasting 13 points through 26 games, the most among any U20 defensemen in the SHL. The Red Wings selected Sandin-Pellikka with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
I dont see how Hughes doesn’t trade Savard. I know they are short on RHD in the NHL but im sure they could get a 3rd for him, trade Kovacevic for a later pick aswell a perfect 7th D for a contender. They have Ghule, Hutson, Xhakej, Matheson as all LD that will be on the team by years end. So Barron and Mallioux as the RD to end the year. Im hoping the habs finish bottom 6 draft a offensively gifted forward and trade a young LD and a 1st or 2nd for another scorer. Aside from Caufield even including prospects A sniper is what they dearly need, think Kovalev or a Foresberg type thats what they need
Because no one is willing to pay that for Savard or Kovacevic. They’re not bad players, but not as good as you value them. Just like thr rumors last week they were shopping Xhak to see his value. No one really wants him, or at least at their value. They have more value in the Habs system than on another teams.And other teams know about their depth as well and know if they make transactions those guys will have to clear waivers so they can get them for free. That and that you are overvalueing them once again.
Again, not bad players, but bit pieces that a team takes on for minimal assets. A team that could use a 7th defenseman usually doesn’t give up assets for them, especially not when they have to work in a cap world. They send a conditional pick and a roster casualty. Not a 3rd for someone who MIGHT see some ice for that team.
There is a reason none of those guys are on the trade bait boards by the major rumor guys. Not much need, interest, or fit for them on teams looking to upgrade. And because you overvalue your own players.
So the various media reports that Hughes turned down a first round pick for Xehkaj are incorrect according to you?
Various reports that the Habs were offered a 1st?
Please link them. I can find on the Google machine one report from Colin Pankiw who isn’t a media source but just relays other stories. That he heard 1 team offered a former 1st with 2nd line upside. Nail Yakupov for Arber!
Alphabet soup is a 7th D at best on a lower team. No one is giving up a thing for him.
Arber may be a fan favorite, but that does not make him a 1st worthy pick in a trade.
Former 1st with 2nd upside… Maybe Taylor Hall is available! SMFH.
Really bright my little friend. You state you can only find one source Colin Pankiw, then you state Colin isn’t a media source and only relays others. You work like Inspector Clouseau.
Check January 27th article David Pagnotti, The Fourth Period, where he indicates teams are calling Montreal on Xehkaj and they have no intention of trading him. The actual offer you mention is included, i.e. former 1st.
Ken McMillan also mentions it.
He’s a 22 year old in his 2nd year of pro hockey after an injury sidelined him for a good part of last year. Direct your nonsense somewhere else.