As the summer sun heats up, so does the anticipation for the upcoming NHL season, and for New Jersey Devils fans, there’s no shortage of news to unpack. From trade rumors swirling around key players to a busy free agency period and exciting prospect developments, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and the Devils organization are clearly laying the groundwork for a compelling 2025-26 campaign.
One of the hottest topics in the hockey world concerns the potential trade of defenseman Dougie Hamilton. While nothing is set in stone, whispers persist about what might be holding up a significant move involving the talented blueliner. Meanwhile, across the league, other teams, like the Pittsburgh Penguins, are reportedly on the cusp of their own blockbuster deals, adding to the intrigue of the offseason.
The Road to Recovery: Key Players on the Mend
A primary focus for the Devils right now is the health of their core. Several key players are diligently working their way back from injuries, with target return dates set to have them ready for the grind of the season. Johnathan Kovacevic is recovering from a knee injury, eyeing an October 7th return. Optimism abounds for a September 15th return for a host of stars including Thomas Bordeleau (concussion), Nico Hischier (lower-body injury), Jesper Bratt (shoulder surgery), Brenden Dillon (neck injury), and Jack Hughes (shoulder surgery). Even young phenom Luke Hughes, also recovering from shoulder surgery, is expected to be fully prepared for training camp this fall. The return of these impactful players will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the team’s lineup.
Offseason Shake-Up: New Faces and Departures
The Devils have been anything but quiet on the trade and free agency fronts, signaling a clear intent to reshape the roster. Notable acquisitions include Jeremy Hanzel (from Nashville in exchange for Erik Haula and a pick) and Thomas Bordeleau (acquired from San Jose for Shane Bowers). The free agency market saw the Devils bring in a host of experienced and promising talent, including goaltender Jake Allen, forwards Cody Glass, Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, and defensemen Calen Addison and Dennis Cholowski, along with forward Angus Crookshank and promising Arseni Gritsyuk.
Of course, with new arrivals come departures. Players like Nolan Foote (to Florida), Tomas Tatar (to Europe), and unrestricted free agents Brian Dumoulin, Daniel Sprong, and Isaac Poulter have moved on. These roster adjustments highlight Fitzgerald’s vision for the team and his proactive approach to optimizing the Devils’ competitive edge.
Behind the Bench: Coaching Carousel
The changes extend beyond the ice. The Devils’ coaching staff will see some new faces next season, as assistant coaches Ryan McGill and Chris Taylor, Head Video Coach Jerry Dineen, and Utica Comets assistant coach David Cunniff will not be returning. The search for their replacements is already underway, indicating a desire to bring in fresh perspectives and strategies to guide the team.
Drafting the Future: New Blood Joins the Ranks
The 2025 NHL Entry Draft was another opportunity for the Devils to infuse their prospect pool with future talent. The team selected seven promising players, including centers Conrad Fondrk and Mason Moe, wingers Ben Kevan and David Rozsíval, goaltender Trenten Bennett, and defenseman Sigge Holmgren. These young prospects represent the next wave of talent hoping to wear the Devils crest.
Prospects on the Horizon: Who’s Ready for the Big Show?
Speaking of prospects, the organization is buzzing about several young players who could make their NHL debuts this season. While Anton Silayev’s participation in Development Camp was unfortunately hampered by visa issues, other promising forwards like Lenni Hameenaho, Shane LaChance, and Cam Squires are generating significant excitement.
Lenni Hameenaho, a 20-year-old right winger drafted in the second round in 2023, boasts an impressive track record in the Finnish Liiga, with projections hinting at potential top-line capabilities. His seamless transition to the North American game will be closely watched, and many expect him to challenge for a roster spot right out of camp.
Then there’s Shane LaChance, a 6’4” power forward who could fill a crucial role in the Devils’ lineup. After a strong showing at Boston University and a glimpse of AHL action with the Utica Comets, LaChance brings a unique physical presence. While a fantastic training camp might fast-track him, he’s certainly one to keep an eye on as a potential mid-season call-up.
Rounding out the trio is Cam Squires, another 20-year-old winger drafted in the fourth round in 2023. Squires has been a dominant force in the QMJHL, showcasing strong offensive instincts. His consistent two-way play, coupled with his scoring touch in a brief stint with the Comets, makes him an intriguing long-term prospect for the organization.
Looking Ahead: The Season Kicks Off
The 2025-26 New Jersey Devils season is set to begin on October 9th in Carolina, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting journey. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has emphasized that this offseason is crucial for the franchise, and the changes implemented reflect a clear commitment to competitiveness and future success. With a mix of seasoned veterans, exciting new additions, and a wave of talented prospects, Devils fans have every reason to be optimistic about what the future holds. To stay up-to-date on all the latest happenings within the New Jersey hockey scene, be sure to visit Explore New Jersey Hockey.
