Around the NHL: December Trade Buzz, Quinn Hughes Watch, and a Goalie Carousel in Motion
The NHL calendar has officially flipped to December, and with American Thanksgiving in the rearview, we’re entering the phase of the season where front offices start looking hard at what they’ve got-and what they might need. Trade chatter is heating up across the league, and with a couple of surprise teams rising and some usual contenders stumbling, the stakes are getting real.
Let’s take a lap around the league and break down the latest storylines making noise.
Quinn Hughes Trade Watch: The NHL’s Biggest Domino?
When it comes to trade rumors, there’s no name drawing more attention right now than Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. The 24-year-old blueliner is off to a scorching start with 22 points in 21 games, playing like a Norris Trophy candidate. But with one year left on his deal at $7.8 million AAV and no trade protection, the Canucks are in a position of power-and they know it.
The New Jersey Devils have emerged as the most talked-about potential landing spot. It’s not hard to see why.
With Quinn’s brothers, Jack and Luke, already in the fold, the idea of a Hughes family reunion in Jersey is as compelling as it gets. But this isn’t just about sentiment.
If the Devils want to make this happen now-rather than wait for free agency two summers from now-they’ll need to pony up a serious package.
Think names like defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Dawson Mercer. Both are young, NHL-ready, and carry the kind of upside that would make Vancouver’s front office stop and listen. And the Canucks aren’t just looking for future assets-they want impact players who can help now and grow with the core.
New Jersey isn’t the only team circling. The Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers have also been linked to Hughes.
Detroit would likely have to consider moving someone like Lucas Raymond, while the Flyers could dangle top prospect Porter Martone. Geography might also play a role here-Philadelphia is close to the Hughes family’s East Coast base, which could appeal to Quinn.
The Canucks are also fielding calls on other names-Kiefer Sherwood, Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger-but if Hughes is moved, it’ll be the blockbuster of the season. Expect a bidding war, and don’t be surprised if multiple high-end pieces are involved.
Laurent Brossoit on the Move? Blackhawks Shopping Veteran Netminder
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Laurent Brossoit is nearing a return, but it looks like his next NHL start might come in a different jersey. The 33-year-old is heading to the Rockford IceHogs for a conditioning stint, and GM Kyle Davidson is actively working the phones to find him a new home.
Brossoit, who carries a $3.3 million AAV, hasn’t played since the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With Spencer Knight firmly establishing himself as the present and future in Chicago’s crease, there’s simply no room for the veteran.
Despite the layoff, Brossoit’s career numbers-64-46-13 with a 2.64 GAA and .911 save percentage-suggest he can still be a reliable backup or even a 1B option for a team in need. Davidson may have to retain some salary to make a deal work, but there’s no shortage of potential suitors.
The Edmonton Oilers are familiar with Brossoit from his time in Winnipeg, and the Montreal Canadiens could be in the mix as well. The Anaheim Ducks, who just lost Petr Mrazek to injury, are another team to watch closely.
Bottom line: a goalie trade feels imminent in Chicago.
Quick Hits from Around the League
- Connor Bedard continues to dazzle in his rookie campaign. The Blackhawks phenom dropped four points on the Ducks Sunday night and now sits second in the NHL scoring race with 37 points-just seven behind league leader Nathan MacKinnon.
- Speaking of MacKinnon, he and Morgan Geekie of the Boston Bruins are the first two players to hit the 20-goal mark this season. MacKinnon’s been on an absolute tear, pacing the Avalanche to an 18-1-6 start, including a 9-0-1 record in their last 10.
- Tough news for the New York Rangers, as defenseman Adam Fox has been placed on LTIR with a significant shoulder injury. He’s expected to miss over a month, which is a major blow to the Rangers’ blue line.
- In a moment that was equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring, Kyle Palmieri of the New York Islanders tore his ACL over the weekend-but not before managing to get up, steal the puck, make a slick pass, and earn an assist. That’s likely the last shift of his season, but what a way to go out.
- The Vegas Golden Knights are getting a boost in net, as Carter Hart has been activated and is set to return to the crease on Tuesday. His presence could provide some much-needed stability as Vegas looks to stay near the top of the Western Conference.
- Seattle Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz is expected to miss six weeks with a lower-body injury. That’s a tough loss for a team trying to find its rhythm after a slow start.
- Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz has made it clear: if you want veteran forward Ryan O’Reilly, it’s going to cost you a first-round pick and a prospect. Trotz isn’t giving away leadership and playoff pedigree for cheap.
As we head deeper into December, the standings are starting to take shape-but so is the trade market. With big names potentially on the move and contenders looking to load up, buckle up. This is the time of year when rosters get reshaped-and seasons get defined.