Hockey season might seem a ways off, but for the New Jersey Devils, the work never stops! From exciting player moves to groundbreaking venue achievements and community initiatives, there’s always something happening in the world of our beloved Garden State team. Let’s dive into the latest updates surrounding the Devils as they gear up for what promises to be an thrilling 2025-2026 season.
Building the Roster: New Faces and Key Returns
The Devils front office has been busy this offseason, making strategic moves to bolster the lineup and solidify the team for the future. We’ve seen a flurry of activity, bringing in both fresh talent and re-signing familiar faces who will be critical to the team’s success.
Among the notable acquisitions, the Devils brought in forward Thomas Bordeleau from the Sharks, swiftly re-signing him to a one-year, two-way contract. Versatile forward Cody Glass also committed to a two-year deal, adding more depth to the forward group. On the defensive end, Calen Addison joined the team on a one-year, two-way agreement, and veteran goaltender Jake Allen inked a significant five-year extension, reportedly at a $1.8 million annual average value, providing stability in net alongside Jacob Markstrom. Veteran forward Connor Brown agreed to a four-year, $12 million contract ($3 million AAV), and Evgenii Dadonov also signed a one-year deal, bringing experience and skill to the forward ranks.
While new players are arriving, we’ve also seen some departures, with Daniel Sprong signing with European team CSKA Moscow after becoming a UFA, and other familiar names like Nolan Foote and Brian Dumoulin moving on or becoming unrestricted free agents. Looking to the future, the Devils’ youth movement is strong, with prospects like Ethan Edwards, Shane Lachance, and Xavier Parent all signing entry-level contracts, signaling the organization’s commitment to developing its pipeline of talent.
Beyond the Rink: Team Milestones and Community Impact
The New Jersey Devils are more than just a hockey team; they’re a vital part of the New Jersey community. Their home, the Prudential Center, recently received a prestigious Stanley Award for Best Venue Business Initiative at the NHL’s 2025 Club Business Meetings, recognizing their innovative approach to operations.
In a cutting-edge move, the Devils have launched a Custom AI Agent powered by Theta EdgeCloud, showcasing their embrace of new technology to enhance the fan experience. Off the ice, the Devils Youth Foundation continues its incredible work, announcing a record $1.3 million worth of grants, demonstrating a deep commitment to supporting local youth programs and initiatives.
Fans can also start marking their calendars, as the Devils have already unveiled their full 2025-26 Regular-Season schedule and their 2025-26 Pre-Season Schedule, setting the stage for an exciting return to action. And for those tuning in, a familiar voice will be on the call, as Don La Greca was named MSG Networks Devils Play-by-Play Announcer, stepping into the role previously held by Bill Spaulding.
Trade Talk and the Road Ahead
As with any NHL offseason, trade rumors and speculation are always buzzing. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton has been a frequent subject of trade discussions, with various “wild cards” reportedly affecting any potential move. There’s also ongoing dialogue about the future of young goaltender Nico Daws, and whether a trade might be in his cards given the team’s depth in net.
Looking forward, the Devils showed considerable improvement during the 2024-2025 season, and the goal for 2025-2026 is clear: take another significant step forward. A top priority for the team’s management is securing a long-term contract extension for dynamic defenseman Luke Hughes, a cornerstone of the Devils’ young core. His continued development is seen as pivotal to the team’s future success. There’s also ongoing dialogue between defenseman Simon Nemec’s representatives and the Devils’ front office regarding his role and future with the team, suggesting potential adjustments as the roster takes shape.
It’s worth noting that recent headlines have also addressed the sexual assault trial involving five members of the 2018 Canada world junior team, which included former Devils Michael McLeod and Cal Foote. All five players were recently acquitted, bringing a conclusion to a widely watched case.
As the offseason progresses, the New Jersey Devils are actively shaping their roster and preparing for what promises to be a captivating season. Stay tuned for more updates and all things Devils by visiting https://explorenewjersey.org/category/hockey/.
