Devils get Dumoulin, Panthers add Sturm and Golden Knights reacquire Smith as NHL trades pile up
The New Jersey Devils made a quick move to address their needs ahead of the NHL trade deadline, acquiring veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin from the Anaheim Ducks. This comes at a crucial time for the Devils, as they are dealing with injuries to key players such as leading scorer Jack Hughes and top defenseman Dougie Hamilton. Dumoulin brings a wealth of experience to the team, having won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. In exchange for Dumoulin, the Devils sent a second-round pick in this year’s draft and the rights to prospect Herman Traff to the Ducks. The Ducks are also retaining half of Dumoulin’s salary, allowing the Devils to add more players before the deadline.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Florida Panthers made a quiet but impactful move, acquiring depth center Nico Sturm from the San Jose Sharks. Sturm is known for his penalty-killing abilities and strong faceoff skills, winning 62.7% of his faceoffs this season. The Panthers hope that Sturm’s versatility and defensive prowess will bolster their lineup as they aim for another deep playoff run. The Panthers have already made significant moves, including trading for defenseman Seth Jones and adding backup goaltender Vitek Vanecek. They still have room to potentially add another forward as they look to become back-to-back champions.
In another trade, the Vegas Golden Knights brought back winger Reilly Smith from the New York Rangers. Smith, who was part of the Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup-winning team in 2023, has been traded multiple times since then. The Rangers retained half of Smith’s salary and received young forward Brendan Brisson and a 2025 third-round pick in return. The Golden Knights are excited to have Smith back in the lineup, adding depth and experience to their roster.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen, who is tied for the league scoring lead with Jack Hughes. Rantanen, who was traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Hurricanes earlier this year, could be on the move again as a pending free agent. Teams are looking to make moves to solidify their rosters for a playoff push, with several players hitting the waiver wire in search of new opportunities.
Overall, the NHL trade deadline is shaping up to be an exciting and eventful time for teams looking to make a push for the playoffs. With key players changing teams and new acquisitions bolstering rosters, the race for the Stanley Cup is heating up. Stay tuned for more updates as teams make their final moves before the deadline.
