For New Jersey hockey fans, the heartbeat of the state often aligns with the rhythm of the New Jersey Devils. As the 2024-25 season recently concluded with a challenging first-round playoff exit against the Carolina Hurricanes, the focus has quickly shifted to the future. Despite a valiant playoff push that was ultimately hampered by a relentless wave of injuries, the Devils organization is already making strategic moves, signaling a clear intent to build a more resilient and formidable team for the seasons to come. At Explore New Jersey, we’re taking a closer look at the key developments shaping the Devils’ trajectory, from significant roster changes and coaching adjustments to the promising depth brewing in their prospect pipeline.
Rethinking the Roster: Trades, Signings, and Strategic Moves
The Devils’ front office has been busy, engaging in a series of calculated decisions to sculpt the team’s future. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton, a prominent figure on the blue line, has been the subject of trade rumors. While the Devils aren’t actively shopping him, they are reportedly open to discussions, with several prominent teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, and the new Utah Hockey Club expressing interest. This suggests a willingness to explore avenues that could further optimize the roster.
In a notable acquisition, the Devils brought in forward Thomas Bordeleau from the San Jose Sharks. Bordeleau, a promising talent, is currently recovering from a concussion but is expected to be fully ready for training camp, adding depth to the forward group.
Beyond trades, the Devils have made crucial commitments through new signings and re-signings. A significant move was securing veteran forward Connor Brown on a four-year, $12 million contract, bringing experience and a two-way game to the forward corps. Bolstering their goaltending depth, the Devils re-signed Jake Allen to a five-year, $1.8 million AAV extension, solidifying their tandem in net. Additionally, Cody Glass, a player who showed promise in recent stints, was re-signed to a multi-year extension, signaling belief in his continued development.
The trade deadline also saw the Devils active, acquiring defenseman Brian Dumoulin from the Ducks in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and prospect Herman Traff, adding veteran presence to a defense hit hard by injuries. In a move that may have been designed to clear cap space, Erik Haula was traded to the Predators. These strategic shifts illustrate the Devils’ dynamic approach to roster construction, aiming for a blend of veteran stability and emerging talent. To keep up with all the fast-paced developments from the New Jersey Devils, including trade analyses and player profiles, be sure to visit our dedicated New Jersey Devils section: https://explorenewjersey.org/new-jersey-devils/.
Battling Back: Injury Updates and Returning Core
The 2025 playoffs served as a painful reminder of how injuries can derail a promising season, particularly impacting the Devils’ defensive corps. However, there’s optimism on the horizon for the upcoming 2025-26 season. While defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic (knee) is expected to miss the start of the season, key offensive catalysts Nico Hischier (lower-body injury) and Jesper Bratt (shoulder, following offseason surgery) are both projected to be ready for training camp. Young blueliner Luke Hughes and veteran Brenden Dillon, who also sustained injuries during the playoffs, share similar optimism for a full return by camp. The full recovery of these core players will be pivotal to the Devils’ success, providing much-needed stability and offensive firepower.
A New Voice Behind the Bench: Coaching Staff Adjustments
Leadership on the ice starts with leadership behind the bench. In a significant move in May 2024, the Devils hired Sheldon Keefe as their new head coach, signaling a fresh strategic direction. Keefe, known for his innovative approach, has since begun to assemble his staff, with Brad Shaw joining as an assistant coach in May 2025, bringing valuable experience and a strong defensive mind to the team. There’s also speculation surrounding assistant coach Sergei Brylin, who might be exploring head coaching opportunities in Russia, indicating the potential for further adjustments to the coaching lineup.
The Future is Now: Prospects and Development
A significant part of the Devils’ long-term strategy lies in their robust prospect system, and the Utica Comets, their AHL affiliate, are a testament to this commitment. The Comets’ forward group has seen a considerable overhaul, with exciting new additions like Cam Squires, Shane Lachance, and Lenni Hameenaho expected to play pivotal roles. These young talents, along with others like Angus Crookshank, Thomas Bordeleau (already mentioned), Josh Filmon, and Matyas Melovsky, are poised to inject dynamic offensive energy into the Comets’ lineup, with many having a strong chance of seeing NHL action this season.
The goaltending outlook for Utica also appears promising. While the situation with Nico Daws, who has shown flashes of brilliance at the NHL level but struggled with consistency in the AHL, remains an “enigma,” the Comets have secured Jeremy Brodeur to an AHL one-way deal. Brodeur, son of Devils legend Martin Brodeur, has excelled in brief AHL call-ups and could prove to be a reliable starter. The highly-touted Czech goaltender Jakub Malek, known for his dominant performances in European leagues, is set to begin his North American career in Utica, adding significant strength to the Comets’ netminding.
The defensive pipeline is equally crowded with talent. Prospects like Seamus Casey, Topias Vilen, and Ethan Edwards will be competing for ice time and pushing for NHL call-ups, alongside a mix of veteran AHLers and newly acquired defenders. The 2025 Development Camp in late June provided a vital platform for these young players to showcase their skills and integrate into the Devils’ system.
Looking Ahead: Preseason and League-Wide News
As the hockey world prepares for the new season, the New Jersey Devils have released their 2025-26 preseason schedule, featuring seven games – three at home and four on the road. Fans can look forward to exciting matchups against division rivals like the Rangers and Islanders, along with games against the Senators, Capitals, and Flyers, offering an early glimpse of the team’s progress.
Beyond the Devils’ specific news, the broader NHL landscape saw a significant development in late June with the NHL and NHLPA reaching a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) extension. This agreement ensures labor peace for years to come, providing stability for the league. And for fans eager to plan their attendance, today, July 16th, marks the anticipated release of the full NHL regular season schedule, officially kicking off the countdown to the 2025-26 campaign.
The New Jersey Devils are embarking on a compelling new chapter, defined by strategic changes, the return of key players, and a thriving pipeline of future talent. The excitement is palpable as the Garden State’s hockey faithful look forward to what promises to be an impactful season.