The Carolina Hurricanes are proactively exploring trade scenarios for Mikko Rantanen as the NHL trade deadline approaches. With Rantanen unlikely to sign an extension before the deadline, the Hurricanes have intensified discussions with his agent and other teams. They are weighing options for both rental and extended trades, considering the potential salary retention to facilitate a deal. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings have expressed interest, though the Hurricanes may opt to keep Rantanen for a playoff push if offers don’t meet their expectations.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils face significant injury setbacks with Jack Hughes out for the season and Dougie Hamilton sidelined for weeks. Despite this, GM Tom Fitzgerald is expected to remain active in the market, potentially inquiring about Rantanen. The ongoing developments with Rantanen are pivotal not only for the Hurricanes' future but could also reshape the playoff landscape if he moves to a contender.

Jack Hughes underwent successful shoulder surgery on March 5, 2025, and will be out for the remainder of the 2024-25 NHL season. The New Jersey Devils confirmed that the procedure was conducted by Dr. Peter Millett at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado.

Hughes, a pivotal player for the Devils, had an impressive season before his injury, recording 70 points (27 goals and 43 assists) in just 62 games, a performance that included a team-leading seven game-winning goals. Following the surgery, he has been placed on long-term injured reserve, but is expected to be fully ready for the start of the 2025 Devils Training Camp.

Jack Hughes, the New Jersey Devils' standout player, has undergone season-ending shoulder surgery, a significant setback for the team's playoff aspirations.

Hughes' injury occurred during a match against the Vegas Golden Knights, where he collided with the boards after tangling skates with center Jack Eichel. Despite the injury, Hughes is expected to make a full recovery in time for the training camp in 2025.

As the team's leading scorer with 27 goals and tied for 70 points, Hughes' absence is felt deeply. The Devils currently sit third in the Metropolitan Division but have struggled recently, going 9-11-3 since January 1, allowing rivals like the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers to close in.

The New Jersey Devils' coach Sheldon Keefe has been fined $25,000 for his unsportsmanlike conduct towards officials during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. This incident followed the injury of star center Jack Hughes, who was taken off the ice after a collision that left him visibly in pain. Keefe expressed his frustration over the lack of a penalty call during Hughes' injury incident, which he described as more serious than a previous interference penalty called against his team.

Since that game, there has been no injury update provided by the Devils on Hughes, who leads the team in scoring. Additionally, the Devils have faced other injury challenges with key players, including Dougie Hamilton, who was injured in a recent match against the Dallas Stars, and they've just reinstated goaltender Jacob Markstrom after a prolonged absence due to injury.

Sheldon Keefe, head coach of the New Jersey Devils, received a hefty $25,000 fine from the NHL for unprofessional conduct towards officials that led to his ejection during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. This incident occurred after star center Jack Hughes sustained a significant injury, which Keefe felt should have drawn a penalty from the referees. Keefe expressed his frustration, particularly regarding Hughes' injury, as he is the team's leading scorer this season.

The Devils have not provided an update on Hughes' condition, which remains a concern for the team as they navigate the season. Additionally, defenseman Dougie Hamilton suffered an injury in a recent game against Dallas, and starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom is only just returning from an extended absence. These injuries put further pressure on the Devils as they strive for playoff contention.