NHL Rumor Mill – December 13, 2025
Could Quinn Hughes land with the Devils one day? Are the Sabres planning a management change? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
IS QUINN HUGHES EYEING A REUNION WITH HIS BROTHERS IN NEW JERSEY?
THE PROVINCE: After the Vancouver Canucks traded defenseman Quinn Hughes on Friday to the Minnesota Wild, Steve Ewen reports “there’s already rampant speculation” that the 26-year-old superstar is “dead set on hitting the open market when he’s eligible and signing with the New Jersey Devils.” That would reunite him with his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes.
Luke, Quinn, and Jack Hughes (NHL.com).
Ewen cited Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin “leaning into that” when he met with the media on Friday to discuss trading Hughes to the Wild. He claimed that it came to their attention “probably back a year ago” that it was the path Hughes wanted to go.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild will attempt to convince Hughes to change his mind, especially if his acquisition turns them into a Stanley Cup contender. But if they can’t, they’ll at least have him for two playoff runs, and they’ll consider it a worthwhile investment if he helps them win the Cup, or at least reach the Cup Final.
The Devils were among several clubs that reportedly made solid offers to the Canucks for Hughes. Ultimately, this might work to their benefit in the long run.
If Hughes intends to test the open market in 2027, the Devils will only be investing money to get him. Granted, it will be a significant amount of money, between $15 million and $20 million annually, but at least they wouldn’t have had to give up a couple of good young players, a prospect, and a first-round pick.
ARE THE SABRES PLANNING TO REPLACE GM KEVYN ADAMS?
THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn and Tim Graham report that three NHL sources told them the Buffalo Sabres are holding internal discussions about replacing Kevyn Adams as general manager.
Adams has been the Sabres GM since June 2020. His contract runs through 2026-27. During his tenure, the Sabres failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Their last appearance was in 2011.
The Sabres are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference. Adams is traveling with the team on a six-game road trip that concludes Sunday against the Seattle Kraken. Neither Adams nor the team has commented on the report.
Jarmo Kekalainen would be the logical replacement on a temporary or full-time basis. The former GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets joined the team in May as a senior advisor. He’s currently back home in Finland attending to a personal matter.
The Sabres have some key roster decisions to make this season. Winger Alex Tuch is eligible for UFA status next summer. Forwards Josh Doan and Zach Benson and defenseman Michael Kesselring are restricted free agents in July.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Adams is getting replaced, it’ll be interesting to see who takes over as Sabres GM. This team is overdue for a front office makeover. Whoever gets the job should be in place well before the March 6 trade deadline, especially if they’re sellers by that point.
Kekalainen could be a good fit. He spent 11 seasons as Blue Jackets GM from 2013 to 2024, building them into a perennial playoff club from 2016-17 to 2019-20, marking the most successful period in franchise history. Current Blue Jackets stars Zach Werenski, Kirill Marchenko, Dmitri Voronkov, and Adam Fantilli were drafted during Kekalainen’s tenure.
The Blue Jackets subsequently struggled, leading to Kekalainen’s firing in February 2024. Nevertheless, they had a better record during his tenure than the Sabres over the same period.
Another year, another Buffalo team goes down early. Its just sad. Reminds me of that guy a few years ago that called into the local Buffalo sports station and lost his mind, I hope he is doing OK or better yet moved on…
Quinn going to NJ would be “stepping on brother Luke’s toes” to be #1 LD, unless Luke plays his off side.
Quinn is not known to play RD, but Luke has.
Anyone that has watched Devils hockey this season would be OK with Luke taking a backseat.
After replacing Adams, the next thing on the agenda for the Sabers is replacing Ruff with De Boer……if they can sign him……..
Minnesota was desperate to make a trade considering they are in hockeys toughest division. That and their record in the playoffs 36-66 needed to be addressed!
At least he won’t be in the line-up this afternoon against Ottawa. Rather, he’ll make his Wild debut in the 2nd of a back to back tomorrow against Boston.
Jarmo also tied the Jackets hands by giving Merzlikins, Severson and Gudbranson ridiculous contracts. Not to forget his tendency to sign undersized players who played well in Europe. Nor can we ignore how he sabotaged an entire season by signing Mike Babcock. One could also argue that the Jackets’ playoff run was more due to Tortarella’s coaching than anything else.
And who hired Tortorella, Paul? Your points are valid, but you can’t just ignore the moves that he made brought about the most successful stretch in Blue Jackets history. And several of their current stars (as I noted) were Kekalainen draft picks.
No point in discussing Hughes anymore until July. Looking at 2027/28 though, Devils have 5 D men already on roster totaling close 31 mil in cap hits. Only 4 forwards under contract, including the 3 highest paid guys. Let’s see what NJ does come July. Both Mercer and Hischier will also be eligible to sign extensions.
The Sabres need the owner to get out of the way and turn the team over to hockey people. He’s not a hockey expert.
I just don’t see Bill G giving up the farm for 2 years of service. All the players he moved out under 25 and at least 2 look like hirer end players. Plus the new CBA max 8 years ends this offseason. I’m sure Huges would rather 8 years than 7. I could be wrong but my gut says otherwise. And I get the Wild would essentially have him for 2 playoff runs but that doesn’t seem like a deal a smart GM would make risk losing him for nothing in the end. Seems way too much risk and no reward
“Hughes’ agent made it clear he’s not going to sign an extension next July regardless of where he was traded to, so now we’ll have to wait and see how long Hughes stays in Minnesota and if Guerin can lock him up long term.”
Jeremy Tingly
I think Buffalo should trade Power . Resign Tuch . Let Lindsay retire . Find a different role for Adams
Can’t see De Boer going there unless he is up for the challenge and not to win a cup anytime soon.
Q is just as likely to sign long term Min. A USA city and a lot closer to home BillyG Olympic GM. Also They can give him 8 yrs any other only 6 .
That is a lot of asset for this year and next year. If it doesn’t work out set the Wild back years. Essentially 4 young former first’s
Keep Power until you see how he plays with Kesselring.
It has been reported that Hughes wants to play in the East. But winning solves a lot of problems, if that happens……..To be continued, again and again, until he signs for 7-8 years!
Kekalainen? Woof, there’s no hope for Buffalo…