News Summary
The New Jersey Devils have been active during the offseason, signing key players like Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov as they aim to enhance their roster for the next NHL season. After a moderate performance last season, notable changes include trades and new talent acquisitions, focusing on both strengthening the team’s forward lines and securing emerging players. The management prioritizes continuous improvement and future roster decisions, significantly influenced by ongoing contract negotiations, particularly with young defenseman Luke Hughes.
Newark, New Jersey – The New Jersey Devils have been active this offseason, making significant moves aimed at enhancing their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. Following a 2024-25 season in which the team posted a record of 42 wins, 33 losses, and 7 overtime losses—finishing third in the Metropolitan Division and exiting in the Eastern Conference First Round—the Devils are looking to make a stronger impact next season.
Key additions to the team include Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, who both signed contracts on July 1. Brown, a 31-year-old right winger, secured a four-year deal after a solid performance with the Edmonton Oilers last season, where he garnered 30 points from 13 goals and 17 assists in 82 games. Dadonov, at 36 years old, joined the team on a one-year contract, likely to provide depth as a forward. His last season with the Dallas Stars saw him accumulate 40 points, including 20 goals and 20 assists across 80 games.
In addition to new signings, the Devils executed a trade on June 18 that sent Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. During his three-season tenure with the Devils, Haula totaled 97 points, including 41 goals and 56 assists, and contributed 21 points in the last season alone.
Other notable player changes include Brian Dumoulin, who signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings after scoring six points for the Devils in 19 games, and Tomas Tatar, who transitioned to Switzerland’s National League with a two-year contract with EV Zug after totaling 17 points in the previous regular season. Curtis Lazar also moved, signing a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers; he managed five points in 48 games last season.
The Devils did not limit their activity to outgoings; they also secured promising talent by signing Arseni Gritsyuk to a one-year, entry-level contract on May 6. Gritsyuk, a player from the Kontinental Hockey League, registered 44 points from 17 goals and 27 assists in 49 games last season. Additionally, 21-year-old defenseman Seamus Casey made a mark as a rookie over 14 games last season, contributing eight points and making the playoff roster.
As offseason activities progress, the Devils extended a qualifying offer to Luke Hughes, a crucial move aimed at securing the young defenseman’s contract, which is a priority for General Manager Tom Fitzgerald. The outcome of Hughes’ contract negotiations is expected to have significant implications for the team’s salary cap and future roster decisions.
Fitzgerald noted the importance of continuous improvement for the team, emphasizing the need to build depth and evaluate new talent like Gritsyuk and Lazar. The Devils have added depth to their bottom six with their recent signings, which have the potential to enhance the team’s overall performance next season.
Last season, the Devils ranked eighth in the NHL for high-danger shots on goal, with players like Nico Hischier and Stefan Noesen leading in this critical category. Looking ahead, Dadonov could possibly secure a place in the top six, particularly in partnership with center Jack Hughes, making for an exciting combination for fans.
Overall, with a blend of strategic signings, trades, and a focus on young talent development, the New Jersey Devils are poised to improve upon their previous season’s performance. As the offseason unfolds, the team continues to monitor potential further roster moves, especially with the outcome of Luke Hughes’ contract negotiations in mind.
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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
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