Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 16, 2025
Could the Devils shop for a short-term replacement for sidelined center Jack Hughes? What type of trade do the Maple Leafs want to make? What’s the Rangers’ biggest need? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
WILL THE DEVILS MAKE A TRADE FOR A SHORT-TERM REPLACEMENT FOR JACK HUGHES?
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh looked at the New Jersey Devils’ options as they face the next eight weeks without leading scorer Jack Hughes. The 24-year-old center injured a finger in a freak accident during a recent team dinner, requiring surgery to repair the damage.
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (NHL Images).
One option could be making a trade as a stopgap. However, centers are scarce, and many teams are currently searching for them. Trade targets could include Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames.
Baugh suggested acquiring a winger if finding a suitable center isn’t feasible. He suggested Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks and Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks as trade candidates.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils cannot let their strong start to this season go to waste in Hughes’ absence. He recommends going the trade route, suggesting O’Reilly, Kadri, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the New York Islanders as possible options.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him like he does. For now, there’s no indication that he wants out of Nashville or that management is shopping him. Kadri’s been the focus of media trade chatter for weeks, but Flames ownership isn’t keen on moving him.
As for Pageau, it’s unlikely the Islanders will move him this early in the season, especially when they’re currently in a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. If they stay in that position or higher in the standings as the season progresses, Pageau won’t be going anywhere.
MAPLE LEAFS SEEK “ROSTER FOR ROSTER” DEAL
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t interested in trading futures or prospects (such as Easton Cowan) for immediate help.
Instead, they want to make a hockey trade, “roster for roster”, in which they’re exploring what’s on their roster that might have value in the trade market. Friedman stressed that the core players wouldn’t be part of that.
Friedman spoke about a recent rumor linking the Maple Leafs to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. He claimed they tried to do it last season, and he doesn’t believe it’s a match for Toronto.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs’ prospect pool isn’t that deep. Depleting it further will only hurt them in the long run. As for “roster for roster”, there isn’t much there that would bring in any upgrades. Nick Robertson, Max Domi, and Calle Jarnkrok have been mentioned as possible trade candidates, but it’s doubtful they’d fetch much of an upgrade.
RANGERS NEED A PUCK-MOVING DEFENSEMAN
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes the need for a puck-moving defenseman has become a priority for the New York Rangers. Adam Fox is off to a strong start this season, but there’s no one else on their blueline who ranks above average in the skills department.
Baugh wouldn’t quibble with anyone suggesting the Rangers also need a top-six winger. However, he’s withholding judgment until he sees what top prospect Gabe Perreault can do.
The NHL should have a help wanted advertisement for top 6 centers. Add NJ to the list after the Hughes injury. Perfect timing for Ottawa to make a big move. Their center position is well stocked with Stutzle,Cousens, and Pinto. Now would be a good time for them to deal.That is of course if their hands aren t tied by NMC or NTC clauses.
Brayden Schenn is also an option for NJ, he is a center but can also play the wings. Tricky situation for NJ as they already were in LTIR cap overage when the season started, when Kovasevic got placed their to fit Luke Hughes extention in. JK is set to return in January. He may not have a spot if Nemec keeps up his play and Hamilton/Pesce return. Not sure if teams will trade for a dman returning from injury, unless NJ throws in a pick or two to take his salary.
so acquiring a forward would probably require someone else to go from the roster, or acquire someone on a 2-way deal that could be sent to the AHL when everyone returns
at this point I think Jack is just cursed, last two seasons ending early because of similar shoulder injuries, and now splitting his finger open on broken glass? don’t know what else to say
Nemec for JGP…solves to problems.
J Hughes is in the NHL perennial band -aid grouping. To a point that he is getting injured in a restaurant for crying out loud
I see Kirby Dach is keeping his spot.
Feels like more than usual but Some players are every year. Laine Demko ..
The most likely trade piece for the Leafs in terms of value, it is going to be Carlo, Woll, Stolarz or Hildeby.
Cowan would make no sense because of his cheap contract and talent. Any upgrade would not likely fit under the cap.
Domi has moved many times and has a generous contract. Too versatile to lose with Matthews possibly dealing with chronic injury problems.
That Carlo trade last year looks worse and worse.
Adrian Kempe to sign an eight-year deal through the 2033-34 season (until he’s 38!) worth $85MM for a cap hit of $10.625MM, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.