New Jersey Devils News & Rumors: Potential Kirill Marchenko Trade, Matias Vanhanen Commits to BC, and More – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils
Following a very busy start to free agency, the New Jersey Devils have built a roster that has the potential to become a serious Stanley Cup contender. While there’s a very good chance that general manager (GM) Sunny Mehta could have at least one more move in the works for this summer, the Devils’ lineup is nearly complete.
As it stands, the team is gearing up for its first 84-game campaign, with the season opener slated for Oct. 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers. And with only 54 days remaining until preseason starts, fans are excited to see what the club can accomplish in 2026-27.
This installment of Devils News & Rumors features the possibility of a trade for Kirill Marchenko, prospect Matias Vanhanen committing to Boston College, the latest speculation about Quinn Hughes heading to New Jersey, and Jesper Bratt’s wedding.
Should the Devils Acquire Kirill Marchenko?
Throughout the offseason, one of the biggest names circulating in the trade market has been Marchenko. At the moment, there is no official update on the 26-year-old right wing, but recent reports have speculated that he does not intend to re-sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Devils already upgraded their top six by signing Anthony Mantha, but there’s no doubt that Marchenko could contribute additional high-end production. He’s crossed the 20-goal threshold for the past four seasons, including a career best of 31 in 2024-25. Likewise, he’s been a major contributor on the Blue Jackets’ power play, with elite puck control and a lethal one-timer.
Two of the most important aspects of his game are his speed and high shot volume, both of which the Devils are known for. Last season, he ranked near the top of the league in skating speed according to NHL Edge, with a max speed of 23.36 miles per hour. He also finished in the 95th percentile in shots on goal, with a total of 218.
Perhaps the best part of the situation is Marchenko’s $3.85 million average annual value (AAV) — which just so happens to be the exact amount of cap space the Devils have at their disposal. The asking price to acquire him will likely be high, with a major raise expected after the final year of his contract. Still, the organization has more than enough capital to offer the Blue Jackets in the meantime, including both conditional first-round draft picks from the Simon Nemec trade.
Matias Vanhanen Commits to Boston College
Earlier this week, Vanhanen made history as the first player from the Western Hockey League (WHL) to commit to the Boston College men’s hockey program. The Devils selected him 37th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, after sending their 35th pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for 37th and 119th overall.
He’ll join the NCAA after a strong performance with the Everett Silvertips in 2025-26, where he made a seamless transition during his first season playing in North America. He helped the team win the Ed Chynoweth Cup after tallying 87 points in the regular season, setting a new franchise rookie scoring record for the Silvertips.
Prior to his time in the WHL, he represented his home country internationally on numerous occasions, participating in World Juniors for Finland’s U18 and U20 teams. Known for his quick skating, dynamic passing, and elite playmaking, he’s expected to be a major offensive threat for Boston College this season.
In conversation with the media last month, Vanhanen shared how excited he is to be part of the Devils organization, especially after being passed over in the 2025 Draft. Also mentioned in the interview was his admiration for star player Jack Hughes, whom he has watched and idolized for the last ten years.
Continued Speculation on Quinn Hughes to New Jersey
Countless signings and trades have taken place this offseason, but Quinn Hughes has yet to re-sign with the Minnesota Wild, leaving many to wonder if he plans on joining his brothers earlier than expected. He was eligible to sign an extension beginning July 1, but it appears negotiations aren’t as certain as they once were.
Sources say that Wild head coach John Hynes remains “very optimistic” that a deal will be finalized in the near future. However, the longer the franchise waits to extend Hughes, Devils fans can’t help but theorize that he could be heading to New Jersey soon.
But there’s still a chance that a Hughes reunion could happen in free agency a few years down the line. Shayna Goldman and Joe Smith of The Athletic reported, “Hughes is interested in something in the neighborhood of a three-year deal. Three years would, probably not coincidentally, line up with the end of younger brother Jack’s contract with the New Jersey Devils” (from ‘What will it cost for the Wild to keep Quinn Hughes? Projecting his next contract,’ The Athletic, 6/29/26).
At the moment, it looks like having all three Hughes on the same team will have to wait a little bit longer — but if anyone can make a move of this caliber happen, it will be Mehta.
Jesper Bratt’s Wedding
Our final piece of news takes us overseas, where current and former Devils alike celebrated Bratt’s wedding in Italy. He tied the knot with his fiancée, Nicole, after getting engaged in May 2024.
The Devils passport stamp we needed. pic.twitter.com/KMJfS2hIQj
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 26, 2026
The couple took to social media to share the ceremony, which featured a large number of his teammates. The entourage consisted of Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Jonas Siegenthaler, Stefan Noesen, Pavel Zacha, Erik Haula, and Alexander Holtz, to name a few. Also spotted at the wedding was fellow Swede Linus Ullmark. Congratulations to the Bratts, and wishing them all the best in this new chapter.
Free Newsletter
Get New Jersey Devils coverage delivered to your inbox
In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.
