News Summary
The New Jersey Devils are making strategic moves to enhance their team for the upcoming NHL season. Following a competitive previous season, they secured key signings including Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, while also trading Erik Haula. The team remains focused on contract negotiations, particularly with Luke Hughes, to solidify their roster and improve their playoff prospects moving forward.
Newark, New Jersey – The New Jersey Devils are making significant strides in preparation for the 2025-26 NHL season following a competitive 2024-25 campaign. The team recorded 42 wins, 33 losses, and 7 overtime losses, finishing third in the Metropolitan Division, but faced disappointment after being eliminated in the Eastern Conference First Round. To enhance their roster, the Devils have focused on key signings, trades, and contract negotiations as they gear up for the upcoming season.
Among the notable signings, the Devils secured Connor Brown, a 31-year-old forward, who inked a four-year contract on July 1. Brown aims to bolster the team’s right-wing depth, having notched 30 points with 13 goals and 17 assists during his tenure with the Edmonton Oilers last season. In addition, Evgenii Dadonov, at 36 years old, also signed on July 1 for one year, likely reinforcing the team as a depth forward. Dadonov produced a solid performance with the Dallas Stars last season, totaling 40 points from 20 goals and 20 assists.
In a roster adjustment, the Devils traded forward Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators on June 18. This move brought defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to New Jersey. Haula finished his three seasons with the Devils contributing 97 points, including 21 points last season. Furthermore, Brian Dumoulin parted ways with New Jersey after signing a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1. Dumoulin had limited playtime, totaling just six points in 19 games after joining the Devils from the Anaheim Ducks.
The offseason also saw Tomas Tatar transition to Switzerland’s National League, agreeing to a two-year contract with EV Zug. Last season, he recorded 17 points with 7 goals and 10 assists while with the Devils. Another player who departed is Curtis Lazar, who signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers following a minimal season in which he scored five points.
On a positive note, the Devils added prospect Arseni Gritsyuk to their roster by signing a one-year entry-level contract on May 6. Gritsyuk followed a strong season in the Kontinental Hockey League, where he accumulated 44 points from 17 goals and 27 assists in 49 games. Rookie defenseman Seamus Casey also made an impression last season with eight points in 14 games and has been included in the playoff roster.
A major focus for the Devils is the contract situation of Luke Hughes, a 21-year-old defenseman. The team extended a qualifying offer to Hughes, highlighting his contract as a top priority for General Manager Tom Fitzgerald. The team anticipates that Hughes’ deal will significantly influence the cap space and subsequent roster decisions moving forward.
Fitzgerald has noted that New Jersey players are motivated to remain part of the team’s vision for success. The organization emphasizes the ongoing need to enhance their depth, particularly with the recent acquisitions of Gritsyuk, Brown, and Dadonov, who are expected to improve the bottom six. The team and its management are also assessing the performance of players like Nico Hischier and Stefan Noesen, who ranked amongst the highest in high-danger shots on goal last season.
As the offseason unfolds, Fitzgerald is keeping an eye on potential roster moves, especially regarding the outcome of negotiations with Hughes. The management’s strategy indicates a commitment to strengthening the roster in hopes of better playoff prospects in the 2025-26 season.
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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
