The energy is palpable in the Garden State as the New Jersey Devils meticulously craft their roster for the 2025-26 NHL season. After a campaign that didn’t quite meet expectations, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and the revamped coaching staff are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build a formidable, competitive team ready to challenge for the Stanley Cup. With significant free agency moves, key re-signings, and promising prospect development, the Devils are poised for a refreshed and exciting look when the puck drops in October. For all the latest news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive content on your favorite New Jersey team, be sure to visit https://explorenewjersey.org/new-jersey-devils/.
Offseason Orchestration: Depth and Future Focus
The Devils wasted no time addressing key areas as free agency opened. A top priority for General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been securing the long-term future of young star defenseman Luke Hughes. While a qualifying offer has been extended, both sides are actively working towards a multi-year agreement, signaling the organization’s commitment to building around its dynamic young core. This ensures that Hughes, a premier offensive defenseman in the making, will continue to anchor the Devils’ blueline for years to come.
A major focus of the offseason has been bolstering the team’s depth scoring, a noticeable area for improvement last season. The Devils have made several astute additions to their forward group:
- Connor Brown: Signed to a four-year, multi-million dollar contract, Brown brings valuable speed, defensive responsibility, and proven offensive contributions, particularly in the bottom six. His penalty-killing prowess and versatility make him a “Swiss jackknife” for the coaching staff.
- Evgenii Dadonov: The veteran forward joins on a one-year, $1 million deal with performance bonuses. Dadonov offers a wealth of experience, a consistent scoring touch (40 points last season, including 20 goals), and valuable playoff exposure. He’s expected to provide a low-risk, high-reward impact.
- Angus Crookshank: Signed to a two-year contract, Crookshank is a productive winger with a high motor, known for his scoring ability and power-play contributions from his time in the Ottawa Senators system.
- Thomas Bordeleau: Acquired from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Shane Bowers, Bordeleau is a skilled young forward looking for a fresh start. He’s shown consistent offensive production in the AHL and brings two-way capabilities.
Beyond these new faces, the Devils have also been busy locking up existing talent:
- Jake Allen: The veteran goaltender was re-signed to a five-year, $1.8 million AAV extension, solidifying the team’s goaltending tandem alongside Jacob Markstrom. Allen’s steady presence and experience proved invaluable last season.
- Cody Glass: The forward inked a two-year, $5 million ($2.5 million AAV) extension, providing reliable depth in the bottom six.
- Dennis Cholowski, Marc McLaughlin, and Nathan Legare: All re-signed to one-year deals, adding important depth to both the defense and forward groups.
- Calen Addison, Lenni Hameenaho, Arseniy Gritsyuk, and Juho Lammikko: These signings further strengthen the prospect pool and provide additional options for the main roster and AHL affiliate. Hameenaho and Gritsyuk, in particular, are exciting entry-level signings that could push for NHL spots.
In a move to re-shape the defensive corps, the Devils also traded Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick, showing a willingness to make strategic adjustments.
Building for Tomorrow: Development and Coaching Shifts
The future of the Devils was on full display at their recent Development Camp (June 30 – July 2). Young prospects, including the 2025 draft picks, showcased their skills under the watchful eye of the development staff. Notably, towering 2025 fourth-round goaltender Trenten Bennett, standing at 6’7″, made a significant impression, drawing attention for his size and composure. These camps are crucial for nurturing the next generation of Devils talent.
Behind the bench, the organization has made significant coaching changes following a season deemed “average” and “not good enough.” Assistant Coaches Ryan McGill and Chris Taylor, along with Head Video Coach Jerry Dineen and Utica Comets Assistant Coach David Cunniff, will not have their contracts renewed.
However, the Devils have made key additions to the coaching staff, including the highly respected Brad Shaw, known for his defensive acumen and work with young defensemen. The AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, also saw major announcements: Ryan Parent was named the permanent head coach, joined by new assistant coaches Mark Voakes and Matt Carkner, while Brian Eklund (Goaltending Coach) and Brian Suslow (Video Coach) will return. These changes reflect a desire for a fresh perspective and renewed accountability throughout the organization.
An Early Look at the 2025-26 Lineup: Summer Predictions
With free agency in full swing and new faces joining the fold, speculation is already swirling about how the New Jersey Devils’ lineup might take shape come opening night in October. While these are early predictions and subject to change, here’s a potential look at the Devils’ structure, with some surprising choices and intriguing combinations:
Top Six Forwards
- Timo Meier – Nico Hischier – Evgenii Dadonov: This line combines Meier’s powerful, heavy game with Hischier’s two-way brilliance. Dadonov’s veteran scoring touch and ability to play either wing could make him an ideal fit for this hard-matching line, offering both offensive punch and reliable play.
- Arseniy Gritsyuk – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt: The dynamic duo of Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, the team’s most potent offensive weapons, could be unleashed against lesser competition (especially in home games). The wild card here is Arseniy Gritsyuk. While his immediate NHL readiness is still to be determined, placing him alongside Hughes and Bratt could be the perfect environment to ignite his offensive potential and set him up for success.
Bottom Six Forwards
- Paul Cotter – Dawson Mercer – Stefan Noesen: Moving Dawson Mercer back to center in a lower-pressure, easier-matchup role could allow him to find more consistent offensive rhythm. Paul Cotter and Stefan Noesen, both known for their scoring streaks, will be crucial for providing consistent secondary scoring that the Devils lacked at times last season.
- Ondrej Palat – Cody Glass – Connor Brown: This line, while potentially expensive, highlights the depth the Devils are building. Cody Glass, a capable center, offers a reliable presence. Ondrej Palat, if not traded, could find a more fitting role on the fourth line, where his veteran presence and defensive responsibility can still contribute without the pressure of top-six minutes. Connor Brown’s versatility means he could easily move up, but on this line, he provides excellent two-way play and penalty-killing capabilities, ensuring all four lines can contribute.
Extra Forwards:
- Juho Lammikko, Curtis MacDermid: Lammikko, a versatile center or left wing, provides excellent insurance and depth, particularly for defensive zone face-offs and penalty killing. MacDermid offers a physical element, although his playing time might be limited depending on how other forwards perform. The decision to carry MacDermid may reflect a desire for a tough, protective presence, though some might prefer to see a prospect like Lenni Hameenaho gain significant minutes in Utica.
Defense
- Luke Hughes – Brett Pesce: This pairing is expected to resume their effective partnership from last season. Luke Hughes’ offensive brilliance combined with Brett Pesce’s steady, reliable decision-making and play-reading ability creates a strong foundation. Hughes’ impending long-term deal will secure this pairing for the foreseeable future.
- Jonas Siegenthaler – Simon Nemec: This second pairing could be a significant step forward for the Devils. Jonas Siegenthaler’s return from injury and his warrior-like playoff performance underscore his importance as a strong defensive presence. Simon Nemec’s exceptional postseason play suggests he is ready to live up to his high draft status and take on a larger role, potentially blossoming into a top-tier defenseman. His dedication, highlighted by his decision to skip the World Championship to train, bodes well for his performance.
- Brendan Dillon – Dougie Hamilton: This bottom pair combines Brendan Dillon’s physicality and penalty-killing prowess with Dougie Hamilton’s offensive instincts. Placing Hamilton in a reduced role could be beneficial after his recent injury struggles, allowing him to focus on his offensive skills and potentially find renewed success against lesser competition, while still contributing to the power play.
- Extra: Dennis Cholowski. Injured Reserve: Johnathan Kovacevic: Cholowski provides capable depth, while Kovacevic’s return from injury will create interesting decisions for the coaching staff, potentially leading to a rotating defense corps depending on performance and matchups.
A New Chapter Begins
With new signings, a refreshed coaching staff, and promising young talent, the New Jersey Devils are clearly aiming for a different outcome in the 2025-26 season. The commitment to depth, combined with the continued development of their star players, creates a sense of optimism for fans across the state. This is more than just a roster; it’s a statement of intent. The puck drops in October, and the anticipation is already building for what promises to be a compelling season of New Jersey Devils hockey.
