Overview
- ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported the Devils discussed Dougie Hamilton and Ondřej Palát in trade scenarios tied to recent efforts to retool the roster.
- Palát told NJ Advance Media he has not vetoed any move and said GM Tom Fitzgerald has not approached him about waiving protections.
- Asked if he vetoed a deal, Hamilton declined to confirm and reiterated he wants to play and win in New Jersey.
- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said he believes New Jersey had a couple of cap‑clearing trades vetoed, pointing to the impact of contract protections.
- Reporting says the Devils could not create the space needed for Quinn Hughes’ $7.85 million AAV before Minnesota acquired him, with NJ Advance Media noting via PuckPedia that 15 Devils hold NTC/NMCs and contract terms like Hamilton’s $9 million through 2027‑28 and Palát’s $6 million AAV constrain options.