We are in the midst of the dog days of summer as NHL players, agents, and front office executives enjoy their time away before the 2025-26 season gets started next month with the opening of training camp.
It is the perfect time to do another New Jersey Devils mailbag here at The Hockey News. Let's jump in.
Q: Do you feel like a Luke Hughes deal is reached by training camp?
- dcthesportsman
Naturally, many of you have asked about Luke Hughes. I have been checking in with Hughes' agent since January. At this time, there is nothing to report.
Players have acknowledged this has been a bit of an odd market for free agents, and the NHL in general has been quiet since that initial rush on July 1. If you listened to 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman provided some insight, saying, "With the cap going up, the market is getting reset. I don't see problems getting guys signed, but I do see the sweet spot for both team and player being a challenge."
One thing I wonder about a deal being finalized ahead of training camp is that Hughes has the same agent as Dawson Mercer. As we know, Mercer's negotiations were still ongoing at the start of training camp.
The negotiations between Hughes' camp and the Devils have been quiet, and I don't expect that to change.
Q: Is there any indication as to where Cam Squires fits on the organizational depth chart?
- @faseeshuss
In my opinion, it is a little too early to tell. Cam Squires transitioned to professional hockey late last season and appeared in only three games for the Utica Comets (American Hockey League).
It was a great sample as he earned at least a point in every appearance, finishing with four points (one goal, three assists), being utilized as a top-line right winger.
He is a player whom I am excited to watch, as the Comets struggled offensively last season. I think the answer to your question will become clearer as the season carries on and we learn what type of player Squires is at the professional level.
Q: What will be Simon Nemec's role this year? Seems like there is a logjam once Johnathan Kovacevic is cleared to play.
- @lose4hughes
With Johnathan Kovacevic sidelined, Simon Nemec will have the opportunity to prove he can continue to play at the level we saw in the playoffs. Honestly, for him, it will always come down to consistency.
On April 26, I spoke with Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe about Nemec and will share what he had to say about the young defenseman:
Keefe on Nemec's effort:
"I would say he has taken steps in that area, but that has been part of the development process for him. (Just) to embrace the work that needs to be done. It is a hard league, and not everything works on the timeline that is in your mind. The league humbles you. You have the decision to either recognize this and get to work, or it is going to be a lot harder on you than you want it to be. That is what we are going through with (Nemec), and I have seen positive steps in this area."
Keefe on Nemec's urgency:
"It has improved. There is a way to go, but to me, it has improved, which is why you trust him in these games. You put him in (the lineup) in part out of necessity with the injuries, but the other part is that he has taken strides towards being a good player. Yesterday's positive result with the (double overtime game-winning) goal is going to help him take a big step in his confidence, but it is not going to change the work that needs to be done."
Regarding Kovacevic, I reached out for an update on his status and how he is doing, but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Q: What is the plan with Lenni Hameenaho?
- @nickauriemma12
He is a player the organization is excited to see and will have an opportunity to impress the coaching staff during training camp. I am expecting him to spend the majority of the 2025-26 season in the American Hockey League with the Utica Comets.
Q: What is our favorite road arena in the NHL?
- stevenl49
I have always been transparent about the fact that I don't travel at this point in my career. I have been to Madison Square Garden and Wells Fargo Center, and I absolutely love MSG.
This season, I am eyeing a trip to Nashville in March. We will see if any other opportunities present themselves.
Q: Who is your personal favorite player of all time?
- rhockeyc
This is probably a terrible answer, but I don't really have one. Years ago, a very kind Devils fan gifted me a New Jersey Devils Jack O'Callahan jersey, and it is the best jersey I own, so I'll say O'Callahan for the purpose of this question.
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