Connor Brown has officially left the Edmonton Oilers after two seasons, signing a four-year deal worth $12 million with the New Jersey Devils. In his farewell message on Instagram, he expressed gratitude to the fans and shared how special Edmonton will always be for him.

Brown's departure has sparked discussions, especially following a heartfelt comment from Lauren Kyle, Connor McDavid's wife. Her phrase, 'Oil for life,' resonated loudly within the community, leading to speculation about McDavid's future. As he enters the final year of his contract, fans are keenly observing every hint.

During his time with the Oilers, Brown proved valuable, contributing significantly to the team's recent successes, including back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances. His consistent scoring and presence in the playoffs have left a lasting impression on the franchise.

Aiden Hreschuk is on the verge of becoming a UFA as the Columbus Blue Jackets have opted not to sign the Boston College defenseman before the August 15 deadline. Meanwhile, trade discussions surrounding New York Islanders' goaltender Ilya Sorokin have surfaced, with whispers of potential moves heating up. Additionally, the Toronto Maple Leafs have shown significant interest in acquiring Erik Karlsson from the Pittsburgh Penguins, with speculation that salary retention may be necessary. Karlsson, at a $10 million cap hit, could help bolster Toronto's blue line, especially in the wake of losing Marner. The Leafs are also pursuing Dougie Hamilton from the New Jersey Devils for similar reasons, indicating a clear strategy to improve their offensive output from the defense.

The Vancouver Canucks face potential upheaval regarding Quinn Hughes, as speculation mounts about his future in light of his brothers’ presence in the New Jersey Devils organization. Analysts suggest that Hughes may join Jack and Luke Hughes in New Jersey once his contract with Vancouver expires in 2027. NHL Network's Mike Johnson emphasized that this scenario is plausible, especially as Luke Hughes is a restricted free agent likely to sign an extension with the Devils. Jim Rutherford, Canucks' president, acknowledged the family's influence on Quinn's decision-making process. Even though Hughes is under contract until the 2026-27 season with a $7.85 million cap hit, his desire to play alongside his brothers could significantly impact his future.

Connor Brown has bid farewell to the Edmonton Oilers after a strong two-year stint, transitioning to the New Jersey Devils on a four-year, $12 million deal. His emotional goodbye on Instagram resonated with fans, as did the touching response from Lauren Kyle, Connor McDavid's wife, who expressed her feelings with a simple yet profound 'Oil for life' comment.

This phrase sparked speculation about McDavid's future with the Oilers, igniting fan theories about a potential long-term extension as he approaches the final season of his contract. While some view Kyle's comment as a heartfelt tribute to Brown, others interpret it as a hint at McDavid's commitment to Edmonton.

During his time with the Oilers, Brown was instrumental in their back-to-back Stanley Cup Final runs, contributing 13 goals and 30 points in regular-season play, along with 9 points in the playoffs. His departure leaves a notable gap in the lineup, and the Oilers will be looking to fill his shoes as they continue their quest for the championship.

Dougie Hamilton's new 10-team no-trade clause has caught the attention of several NHL teams, particularly the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are looking for an offensive boost on their blue line. The Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings also show interest in acquiring the talented right-shot defenseman, who is seen as a viable option to enhance their power plays. However, the New Jersey Devils are in no rush to trade Hamilton, especially with his significant contract and the recent signing bonus he received. His current contract features three years left at a $9 million cap hit, with a structured salary that teams considering a trade must navigate.

Elliotte Friedman noted the uncertainty surrounding Hamilton's future with the Devils, hinting that discussions with other teams have occurred. The challenge lies in finding a suitor that can accommodate his salary, particularly in the context of the Devils' roster situation, especially with Jonathan Kovacevic sidelined. As trade talks swirl, Hamilton remains a key figure in the Devils' plans moving forward.