The 2024-25 season came to a frustrating end for the New Jersey Devils, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes. After a year filled with highs, injuries, and inconsistency, the message is clear: it’s time to take the next step. The Devils are officially in win-now mode, and this offseason will be pivotal in determining whether they can break through to true contender status in 2025-26.
As the New Jersey Devils gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, pressure is mounting on GM Tom Fitzgerald to make critical decisions that will shape the team’s future. After a season marked by inconsistencies and injuries, all eyes are on the front office to fill gaps and solidify the roster. With the offseason in full swing, the team is exploring trades, free agent signings, and staffing changes — but one internal move that deserves serious consideration is naming Nico Daws the full-time backup goaltender.
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Nico Daws: Ready for the Next Step
Nico Daws, the 24-year-old netminder, has shown impressive resilience and growth through his time with the Devils organization. With flashes of brilliance during call-ups and solid AHL performances, Daws looks like more than just a placeholder. While the Devils continue to search for a reliable 1A or starter, locking in Daws as the backup brings stability to the crease and provides a trusted option behind a potential veteran starter.
Daws’ development curve, composure under pressure, and familiarity with the Devils’ defensive schemes make him an ideal candidate to take on a bigger role. With another offseason to train and sharpen his game, the 2025-26 season could be the breakout year that cements his NHL status.
On the Hunt: Forward Help and Staff Reshuffling
Beyond the crease, the Devils are actively working the phones, reportedly pursuing forward talent on the trade market. The focus appears to be on scoring depth, with rumors swirling around a potential move for a 60-point winger — exactly the kind of offensive reinforcement the team needs.
Off the ice, the coaching staff is undergoing significant changes. The Devils made waves by bringing in Brad Shaw as a defensive assistant, a smart move that reflects their intent to sharpen their blue line tactics. This is the first major addition to Sheldon Keefe’s coaching staff and a promising one as the Devils look to bounce back with more structure and consistency.
Nico Hischier, Ondrej Palat & Development Camp Buzz
There’s good news on the health front: captain Nico Hischier is expected to be ready for training camp after a lower-body injury. His return will be a huge boost for leadership and offensive production.
Meanwhile, Ondrej Palat’s future remains uncertain. A possible buyout of his contract has been discussed, which could open up additional cap space for the Devils to make key roster moves.
The team also continues investing in its future, with reports confirming that a promising KHL prospect is expected to join development camp this summer. These young skaters could be the building blocks of a deeper, more balanced Devils team.
Eyes on AHL Standouts: Affordable Depth Options
With salary cap space expected to be tight, the Devils should also look toward overlooked AHL free agents who could offer affordable upside on two-way contracts. Here are a few players who may be flying under the radar but have the tools to contribute at the NHL level:
John Leonard (W, 26, Westwood, NJ)
Leonard just wrapped up his best AHL season with 36 goals and 61 points. He’s played in 70 NHL games and brings a natural scoring touch, especially shorthanded. A return to New Jersey would be a homecoming of sorts — and a cap-friendly way to add bottom-six depth.
Zach Metsa (RD, 26)
A smart, right-handed defenseman with offensive instincts, Metsa has posted back-to-back strong seasons in the AHL with Rochester. Known for his work ethic and leadership, he could be a sleeper signing for the Devils’ defensive corps, especially with injuries to depth defensemen.
Aidan McDonough (LW, 25)
A physical winger with scoring instincts, McDonough was off to a strong AHL season before an injury cut it short. With a solid build and nose for the net, he fits the mold of a fourth-line contributor who can handle physical play.
Rhett Pitlick (LW, 24)
A high-skill winger with elite offensive zone instincts, Pitlick showed promise in both the NCAA and AHL. Though undersized, his play-driving abilities and hockey pedigree make him a potential gem for a team needing scoring depth.
Riley Fiddler-Schultz (C, 23)
One of the younger names to watch, Fiddler-Schultz impressed in his first AHL season. With size, leadership experience, and offensive upside, he’s a versatile center who could step into a fourth-line role or fill in as an injury replacement.
Organizational Depth Matters
While top-end signings and trades grab the headlines, organizational depth often determines whether a team can weather the grind of an 82-game season. The Devils’ past struggles with AHL development underscore the importance of bolstering their affiliate pipeline. These fringe players aren’t just stopgaps — they’re potential difference-makers in tight cap seasons.
By targeting players like Leonard or Metsa, New Jersey could find the next hidden gem — just like other NHL teams have done successfully in recent years. It’s about finding value where others aren’t looking.
New Jersey Devils Offseason Outlook: What’s Next for a Team Poised to Win Now
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A Critical Offseason for GM Tom Fitzgerald
All eyes are on General Manager Tom Fitzgerald as he enters what might be the most important offseason of his tenure. With a talented core and a narrow championship window, there’s little room for error. The Devils must address roster gaps, shore up the defense, and make smart moves that don’t mortgage the future.
A top priority is re-signing Luke Hughes, the dynamic young defenseman whose impact on both ends of the ice is already massive. His next contract could set the tone for how the Devils manage the cap over the next several years.
Also swirling are rumors of major roster moves — including Simon Nemec potentially being dangled in trade discussions and the idea of making a run at elite forwards like Mitch Marner. These are bold conversations that underline the team’s commitment to winning now.
Franchise Cornerstones: Who’s Leading the Charge?
The Devils’ strength lies in their talented roster, and several players stand out as foundational to the team’s future:
- Jesper Bratt has firmly established himself as a franchise cornerstone. His consistent offensive production, high hockey IQ, and playmaking make him invaluable.
- Nico Hischier continues to lead by example. The captain not only scored a career-high 35 goals but also brought tenacity and defensive reliability. With 69 total points, Hischier remains the heartbeat of the team.
- Timo Meier, while streaky during the season, proved his elite ability on the international stage, dominating at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. The hope is he brings that same level of fire into the new NHL season.
Behind the Bench: Defensive Focus with Brad Shaw
To elevate the team’s defense, Brad Shaw was brought in as an assistant coach. Known for his ability to develop structured, responsible defensive play, Shaw’s hiring is a signal that the Devils understand what held them back in the postseason: defensive breakdowns and an overreliance on offensive firepower.
Shaw’s task will be to balance the Devils’ speed-first system with more responsibility in their own zone — something that could finally push New Jersey from “dangerous” to “dominant.”
Goaltending Outlook: Time to Trust Nico Daws?
With Jake Allen providing solid veteran stability, the goaltending picture is in flux. The expectation is that Nico Daws will be elevated to full-time backup in 2025-26, a move that reflects both his development and the team’s long-term faith in his potential.
Jakub Malek could also push for NHL minutes after a strong showing in the AHL, while Mikhail Yegorov continues to emerge as a promising long-term prospect with ideal size and athletic tools.
The Devils may still explore outside options, but internal competition could be healthy — and budget-friendly.
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Prospect Pipeline: Promising Youth Ready to Step Up
The Devils have one of the more intriguing prospect pools in the NHL. Here are a few names to watch:
- Anton Silayev: At just 17, the towering defenseman shows elite-level promise. Still raw, but his ceiling is sky-high.
- Seamus Casey: An undersized but highly mobile defenseman who impressed at Michigan. If he can add size and polish, he’s a future power-play quarterback.
- Arseny Gritsyuk: The two-way winger had a breakout year in the KHL. He’s a smart player who could be NHL-ready soon.
- Topias Vilén: A steady presence on the AHL blue line who’s showing strong signs of growth.
- Lenni Hämeenaho: The tools are there, but he’ll need to find consistency in his offensive game.
- Nolan Foote: Injuries have hampered his progress, but he’s still very much in the mix as a power-forward prospect.
- Josh Filmon: Long-term project with great skating, but needs to round out his offensive skillset.
- Chase Stillman: Showed flashes of bottom-six potential. His energy and physical style could earn him a look during training camp.
- Jakub Malek & Mikhail Yegorov: The goalie duo represents the future in net, giving the Devils organizational strength in a critical position.
What’s Next?
With the core in place, the coaching staff reshaped, and a talented crop of prospects waiting in the wings, this offseason is about putting the finishing touches on a roster capable of making a deep playoff run. Expect trades, potential big-name signings, and internal promotions — all pointing toward a decisive push in 2025-26.
The Devils have the pieces. Now, it’s about making the right moves to bring it all together.
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Stay with Explore New Jersey for the most in-depth coverage of Devils hockey — from the ice to the front office, prospects to playoff pushes.
As the Devils prepare for what could be a pivotal season, investing in both the present and future is key. Naming Nico Daws the full-time backup is a smart internal decision, and looking toward affordable, skilled AHL talent is a practical way to stay competitive under cap constraints.
Between trade rumors, staffing changes, and a renewed focus on development, New Jersey fans have plenty to be excited about as the offseason heats up. Stay tuned — the Devils are just getting started.
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