The 2025 NHL offseason has brought more questions than answers for the New Jersey Devils. While fans continue to rally around their team, recent developments—from captain Nico Hischier’s injury at the IIHF World Championship to looming buyout decisions—are shaping up to make this a pivotal summer for the franchise.
If the Devils want to remain competitive in a stacked Metropolitan Division, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald will need to navigate salary cap gymnastics, tough roster calls, and the ever-delicate balance between loyalty and performance.
Let’s break it down.
Nico Hischier Injury Update: Signs Point to Optimism
When Nico Hischier went down during a hard-fought matchup at the IIHF World Championships, Devils fans held their breath. The Swiss-born center and team captain has been the emotional and strategic backbone of the organization. Fortunately, initial updates suggest that Hischier’s injury isn’t long-term or serious, and there’s cautious optimism he’ll be ready for training camp in the fall.
Still, with Hischier representing one of the team’s most significant investments, any injury, no matter how minor, triggers concerns about lineup depth and future durability. Given his importance both on and off the ice, the Devils can’t afford to lose their captain—especially as they evaluate their broader offseason strategy.
Stay in the loop with the latest Devils team news, updates, and player spotlights on Explore New Jersey.
Cap Crunch: Exploring Buyouts and Roster Flexibility
With the salary cap expected to rise slightly, the Devils are still tight on space—especially after major signings and long-term contracts in recent seasons. That’s where the NHL buyout window, which opens after the Stanley Cup Finals, comes into play.
What’s a Buyout?
A contract buyout allows a team to remove a player from its active roster by paying a reduced portion of their remaining salary over a longer period. It frees up immediate cap space but comes with lingering “dead money” on the books for multiple seasons.
Is Ondrej Palat on the Chopping Block?
Among the most-discussed names is Ondrej Palat, a respected veteran with a $6 million cap hit. While Palat brings leadership and playoff experience, his production hasn’t matched his paycheck.
A buyout would free up over $2.4 million in cap space next season and nearly $3.5 million the following year. However, it would also leave a dead cap hit of $1.483 million on the books through the 2028-29 season—an amount that could hurt when key contracts come due.
Alternative Buyout Candidates
While Palat’s contract stands out, he’s not the only potential candidate. Let’s examine a few others:
- Erik Haula – A more financially efficient buyout that could free up over $1.6 million in space next season with a minimal long-term hit.
- Brenden Dillon – Could be an option, though his recent injury complicates matters.
- Stefan Noesen – After a career-best year, a trade may be more likely, but a buyout is not off the table.
- Jacob Markstrom – Recently acquired, but the salary retained by Calgary softens the financial blow if the Devils chose this route—though it would be surprising.
Should They Pull the Trigger?
The real question for Fitzgerald and his staff is simple: Does this player still provide value that matches or exceeds their cap hit? If not—and if no trade partner emerges—a buyout becomes a viable, if imperfect, solution.
Given the timing of trade clauses and the opening of free agency on July 1, expect movement or announcements in late June as the Devils strategize for immediate and long-term roster improvement.
Looking Ahead: 2025-26 and Beyond
This offseason isn’t just about 2025—it’s about the seasons that follow. Key players like Hischier, Simon Nemec, and Seamus Casey will need new deals in the next couple of years. Every dollar of cap space now could impact the Devils’ ability to remain competitive later.
If Fitzgerald wants to reshape the team, he’ll need to make the most of this offseason’s small window—not just through trades or signings, but by carefully weighing the cost and benefit of every contract on the books.
Shop Official Devils Gear for 2025
Whether you’re rooting for Nico Hischier’s quick return or gearing up for what could be a transformative offseason, show your Devils pride with official team merchandise. From jerseys to exclusive collectibles, visit the Explore New Jersey Devils merchandise hub to gear up for the season ahead.
You can also find official New York Red Bulls apparel on our partner site Pro Merch, or shop the Sports Illustrated Stadium collection for premium gear representing New Jersey’s top venues.
Final Thoughts
The offseason is just beginning, but the stakes are already high in Newark. With health updates, cap space constraints, and tough decisions ahead, the Devils have a critical summer in front of them. Whether it’s holding firm with their current core or moving pieces to reshape the future, fans should expect a flurry of activity in the weeks to come.
Stay tuned to Explore New Jersey for the latest Devils coverage, roster moves, and exclusive interviews as the 2025-26 NHL season draws closer.