News Summary
The New Jersey Devils are actively reshaping their roster and strategies ahead of the upcoming NHL season. With significant player signings like Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, and strategic trades including Erik Haula, the team’s management is focused on enhancing performance. Amidst contract negotiations and emerging talents such as Arseni Gritsyuk, the Devils aim to build on their potential and improve their competitive stance in the league for the future. As the team prepares, eyes are on their roster adjustments and development plans.
New Jersey, NJ — Offseason Updates for the Devils Ahead of 2025-26 NHL Season
The New Jersey Devils are making significant moves during the NHL offseason as they prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 season. As the team adjusts its roster and financial strategies, several key signings, trades, and contract negotiations are shaping the franchise’s future prospects.
Recent Performance and Team Outlook
The Devils concluded the 2024-25 NHL season with a record of 42 wins, 33 losses, and 7 overtime losses. They finished third in the Metropolitan Division but were eliminated in the Eastern Conference First Round. Despite the early playoff exit, the team demonstrated potential and is now focused on strengthening its roster.
Major Player Signings and Contract Updates
To bolster their offensive depth, the Devils signed Connor Brown, a 31-year-old forward, to a four-year contract starting July 1. Last season, Brown scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 82 games for the Edmonton Oilers, totaling 30 points. His experience is expected to add stability to the right wing position.
Another notable signing was Evgenii Dadonov, age 36, who agreed to a one-year contract on July 1. Dadonov recorded 20 goals and 20 assists in 80 games last season with the Dallas Stars, tallying 40 points. His addition is likely aimed at providing veteran depth to the forward group.
Trades and Departures
The team trade-dealt Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators on June 18, exchanging him for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. During his three seasons with the Devils, Haula accumulated 97 points overall, including 41 goals and 56 assists. In the last season, he contributed 11 goals and 10 assists.
Another departure involved Brian Dumoulin, who signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1. Dumoulin played 19 games with New Jersey after being acquired from Anaheim, recording six points—one goal and five assists.
Player Transfers and International Moves
Defenseman Tomas Tatar opted to continue his career in Switzerland, signing a two-year contract with EV Zug after scoring 17 points for the Devils last season, with 7 goals and 10 assists in 74 games.
Meanwhile, Curtis Lazar signed a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers on July 2. Lazar posted five points—two goals and three assists—in 48 games last season.
Emerging Talent and Development
The Devils signed Arseni Gritsyuk to a one-year, entry-level contract on May 6. Gritsyuk, who played five seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League, scored 44 points last season, with 17 goals and 27 assists in 49 games.
At just 21 years old, Seamus Casey had an impressive rookie season, recording eight points—including 4 goals and 4 assists—in 14 games and earning a spot on the playoff roster.
Contract Negotiations and Future Planning
The team extended a qualifying offer to Luke Hughes, a talented 21-year-old defenseman. His potential contract is a priority for the team’s management, as it will influence the Devils’ salary cap and future roster moves.
Team General Manager Tom Fitzgerald highlighted that players are eager to stay with the franchise, emphasizing the importance of team chemistry and long-term success. He also mentioned that the squad’s development focus includes adding depth and evaluating emerging talents like Gritsyuk and Lazar.
Performance Metrics and Positional Strengths
Last season, the Devils ranked eighth in the NHL for high-danger shots on goal. Notably, players Nico Hischier and Stefan Noesen led the team in this category, indicating offensive potency and scoring opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Fitzgerald indicated that further roster modifications remain possible as the team assesses its cap space, ongoing negotiations, and player performances. The contract situation of Luke Hughes is expected to play a key role in determining how aggressively the Devils pursue additional signings or trades in the coming months.
With a strengthened roster and a clear development plan, the New Jersey Devils aim to improve upon their previous playoff run and contend more vigorously in the 2025-26 NHL season.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NHL: New Jersey Devils Roster Changes for 2025-26 Season
- Wikipedia: New Jersey Devils
- New Jersey Hockey Now: Luke Hughes Trade Rumors
- Google Search: New Jersey Devils 2025 season
- Pucks and Pitchforks: Tom Fitzgerald on Luke Hughes’ Contract
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Hockey League
- Full Press Hockey: Devils’ Offseason and Luke Hughes Extension
- Google News: New Jersey Devils offseason
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