As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the New Jersey Devils made a significant move by acquiring veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin from the Anaheim Ducks. The deal, which sends a second-round pick and the rights to prospect Herman Traff to Anaheim, sees the Ducks retaining 50% of Dumoulin’s salary. This acquisition comes in the wake of injuries to key players, including Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, who are both sidelined for the remainder of the season.

With Dumoulin’s NHL experience and ability to play significant minutes, the Devils expect him to bolster their defense amid a challenging season. General manager Tom Fitzgerald is also exploring options to fill the offensive void created by Hughes' injury. Notable forwards like Brock Nelson and Rickard Rakell are among those potentially available, as Fitzgerald looks to enhance the team's playoff prospects.

The New Jersey Devils face a critical blow with the news that Jack Hughes will miss the remainder of the season following shoulder surgery. Hughes, the team’s standout center, is a significant loss, but the Devils are reportedly not slowing down. They are eyeing potential trades ahead of the NHL deadline to bolster their roster. Among the players they are targeting is Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, a pending unrestricted free agent. Pierre LeBrun from TSN highlights the Devils' interest, noting that they reached out to the Islanders regarding Nelson. While he may not replicate Hughes' exceptional offensive output, Nelson's addition could provide a much-needed lift to New Jersey's top six. This season, he has demonstrated his scoring ability with 20 goals and 43 points in 61 games, maintaining a positive plus/minus rating. As the trade deadline approaches, the stakes are high for the Devils as they aim to remain competitive in the playoff race.

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.