Overview
- Multiple outlets report New Jersey could not clear the $7.85 million AAV required for Quinn Hughes despite an advanced offer that included Simon Nemec, Dawson Mercer, Anton Silayev and a first-round pick.
- Elliotte Friedman said he believes a couple of Devils salary-clearing trades were vetoed, underscoring how movement clauses constrained options.
- Kevin Weekes reported Dougie Hamilton and Ondřej Palát were discussed in trade scenarios as cap-clearing pieces; both hold full no-move protection with 10-team trade lists.
- Palát told NJ Advance Media he has not vetoed any deal or been approached about waiving protection, while Hamilton declined to say if he vetoed a move and reiterated he wants to win in New Jersey.
- Contract realities further limit flexibility, with Hamilton at $9 million AAV through 2027–28 and Palát at $6 million with one year left, and NJ Advance Media/PuckPedia counting roughly 15 Devils with trade or movement protections.