The New Jersey Devils have been all over the rumor mill, even after the Quinn Hughes drama has a temporary solution. While there are many reports about how the Devils could have ponied up for Hughes, including one from ESPN that named a package of Anton Silayev, Simon Nemec, Dawson Mercer, and a first round pick, that proposed trade was reportedly killed by the Devils’ inability to move money.
So that points the finger at two players: Dougie Hamilton and Ondrej Palat. Hamilton makes $9 million per season, and Palat makes $6 million per season. Getting either off the books would really help the Devils cap responsibilities this season and moving forward. However, it sounds like one of those players isn’t actually on the trade block, at least according to one insider.
Elliotte Friedman was talking about the Devils and how they pivot after missing out on Quinn Hughes. He discussed their need to move money, but he doesn’t think it’s Palat’s money that’s moving. At least, he hasn’t heard that’s the direction the Devils are going in at this point.
"I have never heard Palat's name (in trade rumors). Now I'm not saying anyone else is wrong. I'm just saying, personally, I have never heard his name."Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet reporter
Ondrej Palat may not be the name in trade rumors
Friedman went on to say that Hamilton’s name does appear to be in trade talks, but he didn’t really elaborate further. He mentioned other people’s reports because Palat’s name is out there.
ESPN’s Kevin Weekes said that Palat and Hamilton are both in potential trade scenarios, and The Athletic’s Chris Johnston has Palat sixth on his trade board, one spot below Devils trade target Steven Stamkos and 10 spots ahead of Hamilton. New Jersey Hockey Now's James Nichols asked Ondrej Palat about the rumors straight up, and he said he's never been approached about waiving him no-trade clause.
While this news might be surprising, it does give a clearer picture of what the Devils want to do. They are required to shed salary to get cap compliant when their laundry list of injured players start to return. Brett Pesce returned on Wednesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, and the hope is Jack Hughes isn’t too far behind. However, the one that will require movement is defenseman Johnny Kovacevic.
We’ll see how urgent the Devils move in sending a salary away, but it’s clear that the loss of the eldest Hughes brother isn’t ending their urgency. They want to move a contract so they can make other moves, but which one is starting to become more clear.