Though they didn’t land Hughes, the Devils still gained something from the saga coming to an end: clarity. New Jersey is injury-riddled and in need of reinforcements as it drops in the standings. Now, Fitzgerald does not have to worry about preserving potential cap space or trade chips for a Hughes package this season.

Brodin's absence creates another defensive gap as the Wild face the Senators, adding to the team's mounting injury concerns.

According to a veteran NHL insider, an Eastern Conference team has contacted the Canucks regarding Quinn Hughes amid the team’s struggles.