NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey Devils’ 2024-25 season came to an early close after a hard-fought first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes. It was a year marked by flashes of brilliance, but also by relentless injury setbacks that kept the team from reaching its full potential. Now, as the franchise turns the page to the 2025-26 campaign, the focus shifts to building a roster that can contend deep into the postseason.
One player at the heart of both past performance reviews and future roster decisions is Dawson Mercer.
Dawson Mercer: Consistency in a Chaotic Season
Mercer suited up for all 82 games last season, finishing with 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists). While those numbers were slightly below his previous totals, his durability and willingness to play in multiple roles were invaluable for a Devils team that saw its lineup shuffle almost nightly due to injuries.
At just 23 years old, Mercer has already established himself as a dependable, two-way forward capable of contributing on both the power play and penalty kill. His hockey IQ, forechecking intensity, and ability to adapt to different linemates make him a coach’s dream.
However, the offseason has brought whispers that Mercer’s name could surface in trade talks. The Devils are navigating tight salary cap waters as they work toward securing a long-term deal for Luke Hughes, and management could explore all avenues to create flexibility. Trading Mercer would not be a decision made lightly, given his age, contract value, and locker room presence.
The Devils’ 2025 Offseason Moves
Since their playoff exit, the Devils have been busy reshaping the roster. The front office has targeted a blend of playoff-tested veterans and versatile depth players to complement their young core led by Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and newly acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
Key additions and changes include:
- Evgenii Dadonov – Signed to a one-year, $1 million deal (plus performance bonuses). Brings proven scoring touch and postseason experience.
- Connor Brown – Inked to a four-year, $12 million contract. A high-energy winger with a strong two-way game and Stanley Cup Playoff mileage from Edmonton.
- Jake Allen – Re-signed for five years at $1.8 million AAV, providing stability in goal behind Markstrom.
- Erik Haula Trade – Sent to Nashville for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick, shifting the balance toward youth on the blue line.
- Cody Glass & Jonathan Gruden Acquisition – Brought in from Pittsburgh for Chase Stillman, Max Graham, and a 2027 third-round pick, adding depth at center and on the wing.
- Angus Crookshank – Signed a two-year, two-way deal after strong AHL production.
- Calen Addison – Offensive-minded defenseman signed to a one-year, two-way contract.
- Dennis Cholowski – Re-signed to a one-year deal after joining at the trade deadline.
- Coaching Addition – Brad Shaw hired as assistant coach to strengthen defensive systems.
What’s Next for the Devils?
The biggest question hanging over the summer is whether Luke Hughes will sign a long-term extension before the start of the season. The 21-year-old defenseman is ineligible for an offer sheet, but securing his future in New Jersey remains the front office’s top priority.
There’s also speculation that the Devils are shopping for a third-line center to bolster matchup depth—especially for playoff scenarios where secondary scoring can tilt a series.
As for Dawson Mercer, his situation will be closely watched. Whether he remains in New Jersey or becomes part of a major trade package, his development has been a bright spot in recent seasons and a testament to the team’s drafting and development strategy.
A Tale of Two Benches: Sheldon Keefe, the Devils, and the Power of Adaptability
The New Jersey Devils are a team in transition, not just in terms of their roster, but in their very identity. A year after the departure of former head coach Lindy Ruff, the team is now under the guidance of Sheldon Keefe, whose coaching philosophy represents a distinct shift from the aggressive, up-tempo style that defined the Ruff era. As the Devils head into a new season with significant new talent, a fascinating question emerges: will Keefe adapt his system to maximize the team’s newfound speed, or will he stick to his more methodical approach?
Lindy Ruff’s Devils were known for their “go-go-go” mentality. His system was built on a foundation of relentless pressure, both on offense and defense. He encouraged defensemen to aggressively pinch in the defensive zone, forwards to fly the zone for stretch passes, and the entire team to keep their foot on the gas, even when playing with a lead. The goal was to overwhelm opponents with sheer speed and tempo, a strategy that led to the team’s high-flying success in the 2022-23 season.
Sheldon Keefe, on the other hand, brings a more conventional, structured approach. His system, which could be summarized as a “Fight The Panic” style, is characterized by a more controlled and patient defensive zone strategy. He asks one defenseman and a forward to pressure the puck carrier, with the goal of winning possession and then methodically executing a safe breakout. Keefe’s offense is less about rush chances and more about creating opportunities through dump-ins, a strong cycle game, and generating offense from behind the net. It’s a system that prioritizes control, safety, and sustained pressure in the offensive zone over the chaotic, end-to-end action of Ruff’s design.
The core of this debate lies in the Devils’ offseason additions. The team has brought in several players who are known for their exceptional skating ability, including Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, and Arseni Gritsyuk. Cody Glass, who joined the team late last season, also plays an up-tempo game. As one of our recent articles highlighted, these players are not only faster than the ones they are replacing but are capable of playing at a high pace. This injection of speed into the lineup could make the Devils one of the fastest teams in the league, a title they last held during the peak of the Ruff era.
This presents a unique opportunity for Keefe. While his current system is proven to be effective, as evidenced by the team’s strong play in the first half of last season, it may not fully leverage the team’s new assets. The new additions are built for a more aggressive, high-pressure style of hockey—what some have fittingly called “Stress Hockey.” This approach, which wears down opponents with relentless forechecking or a quick-strike rush attack, thrives on speed and pace.
The best teams in the NHL, from the Florida Panthers to the Colorado Avalanche, have a clear identity and the personnel to execute it flawlessly. The Devils have the talent to be a championship-caliber team. Their core, led by Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and a promising young defensive group, is among the best in the league. The challenge now is for the team to re-establish a cohesive identity.
The Devils were a top team in the first half of last season under Keefe’s system. If he can get them to play at that high level for an entire season, adjustments may not be necessary. However, given the team’s collapse after Christmas and the undeniable upgrade in team speed, a slight tweak to the system seems logical. Perhaps it means fewer dump-ins and more controlled zone entries, or fewer regroups and more stretch passes. The goal is not a complete overhaul, but a strategic evolution that maximizes the potential of the new personnel. Ultimately, for the Devils to reach their full potential and contend for a championship, they must establish and commit to a clear identity, and it would be wise for that identity to embrace the speed and pace of this new-look roster. You can read more about the team’s journey and strategies by exploring our in-depth coverage of the New Jersey Devils at https://explorenewjersey.org/category/new-jersey-devils/.
Looking Ahead to Opening Night
The Devils will open their 2025-26 season at home against the Florida Panthers on October 16. With a blend of youthful stars and seasoned newcomers, New Jersey is aiming to build a championship-caliber roster that can withstand the rigors of an 82-game season and deliver in the playoffs.
Fans can expect a faster, grittier, and more balanced lineup—one that reflects the front office’s commitment to winning now while keeping the long-term core intact.
For more coverage, analysis, and updates on your favorite team, visit our New Jersey Devils section.
