NHL rumors: Devils, Canucks, Islanders, Maple Leafs – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In today’s round of NHL rumors, the New Jersey Devils have lost defenseman Luke Hughes for six to eight weeks. Meanwhile, any news on what the Vancouver Canucks are doing to find a backup plan if Thatcher Demko can’t start the season? Matt Martin joins the New York Islanders on PTO. Finally, are there a handful of players on the bubble in Toronto?

Devils’ Luke Hughes Out With Injury

The New Jersey Devils released a statement Thursday that defenseman Luke Hughes will be out six to eight weeks with a left shoulder injury. Hughes suffered the injury earlier this month in training and will not require surgery. Still, this is a huge loss for the club as they look to bounce back from a poor 2023-24 season compared to expectations.

It is unlikely that the Devils will make any outside moves to find a replacement for Hughes on their blue line. They will provide opportunities from within.

Canucks Goal Uncertain, Boeser Awaits Contract

The Province’s Patrick Johnston noted that the Vancouver Canucks have unanswered questions in goal if Thatcher Demko is unavailable for the preseason, training camp, and the start of the regular season. The health of the 28-year-old Vezina Trophy winner remains a concern following reports that he is still dealing with an undisclosed injury.

Johnston noted that the Canucks were considering adding a goaltender to a professional tryout request. You write:

We know they approached veteran free agent Kevin Lankinen about the idea, but it’s clear the goaltender is more interested in offering a full contract. There was a suggestion last week that perhaps Antti Raanta was an option, but it is not clear that an agreement has been reached between the club and the player.

source – ‘Canucks: Where is Thatcher Demko? And some questions before training camp’ – Patrick Johnston – The Province – 09/12/2024

In other Canucks news, Brock Boeser says he will let contract negotiations with the team continue as he enters the final season of his deal, “It’s in the blood. I think I have a lot to prove,” said Boeser when he spoke to NHL Network. The implication here is that Boeser is looking to have a big season and increase his earnings if he is extended.

Martin will join the Islanders on PTO

New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello told the media that Ilya Sorokin was injured in summer training, but is skating. Sorokin may miss the first few days of training camp. That said, there are no concerns yet about the season going forward.

Related: Nicholas Robertson’s Candid Talk With The Agent That Led To The Maple Leaf Deal

Lamoriello also revealed that Matt Martin will join the Islanders on a PTO.

Map Leaves Create Systematic Uncertainty

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the upcoming Toronto Maple Leafs training camp will have a lot of internal competition, something the management and coaching staff are looking for. Speaking of 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman emphasized that several players are currently on the roster bubble.

Everyone wants to let the competition happen throughout camp and Friedman explained that the Leafs want to see which players thrive under pressure. The Leafs have until the day before the season opener to finalize their roster, and “I think that’s their plan,” Friedman said. He mentioned that an enticing trade offer could force the team’s hand up front, but Toronto seems more focused on an internal move that will cause a roster change.

The Leafs hope this approach will push players to raise their game for the 2024-25 season.

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