Quinn Hughes, Dylan Larkin continue to be linked to New Jersey Devils

Are the New Jersey Devils trying to form a super team?

After weeks of Devils GM Sunny Mehta mentioning how it's not a great idea to spend big on goaltending, he went out and acquired Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets, for six pieces. Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, Nick Bjugstad, prospect Alex Command and two draft picks went to Winnipeg, and now everyone is wondering - what's next? 

Insert, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings, and Minnesota Wild defenceman Quinn Hughes. Let's start with Hughes. He was offered a few different types of contracts before this season started from Wild GM Bill Guerin, and informed Guerin he'll be waiting this out, and isn't in a rush to sign on the dotted line. For Wild fans, they're preaching patience, for everyone else in hockey, they know Hughes is very, very, likely going to sign with the Devils on July 1st.

As for Larkin, the trade demand continues, and he's apparently opened up his list of teams, which does include the Devils. Mehta did fine work to hold onto both his first-round picks in 2027, so there's certainly some trade capital to work with. There's also three prospects in the Devils' system that are on the Red Wings' radar, so if Shawn Horcoff opens up to a futures oriented move, which does sound like that is now the case, Larkin to the Devils isn't out the realm of possibilities.

Elliotte Friedman: Re Connor Hellebuyck trade/Devils: Sunny Mehta was pretty honest about how he felt about goalies; but...sometimes there are external forces; Dylan Larkin's put you on his list; this overarching Quinn Hughes scenario - FAN Hockey Show (10/23)

The finances is where things get tough. Signing Hughes in July, not a problem. Adding Larkin's $8+ million cap hit this season, not ideal for Mehta's current cap structure. Defenceman Jonas Siegenthaler would likely be included, with hopes his 10-team no-trade clause doesn't include Detroit. There's also forward Arseny Gritsyuk, who doesn't hold any trade protection, and is earning $3.2 million for the next two seasons. 

For now, the Devils get set for the Hellebuyck era, they're best goaltender since Martin Brodeur. Meanwhile, Larkin still wants out of Motown, and Hughes has next summer on his radar to join his two brothers, and one of his best friends in Hellebuyck. Add in Larkin, and we could have a Team USA-based super team on our hands.