As the summer heats up, so does the anticipation for the upcoming New Jersey Devils season! The front office has been bustling with activity, making strategic moves to bolster the roster and set the team up for success. From exciting new additions to intriguing trade rumors and crucial injury updates, let’s break down everything you need to know about your favorite New Jersey hockey squad as they prepare to hit the ice.
Shaping the Roster: Key Trades and Signings
The Devils have been busy reshaping their lineup, focusing on a blend of proven talent and promising young players. One of the more recent moves saw the re-signing of center Thomas Bordeleau to a one-year, two-way contract on July 24, 2025, adding depth and versatility down the middle.
A notable departure was forward Erik Haula, who was traded to the Nashville Predators on June 18, 2025, in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick. This move signals a shift, bringing in a defensive prospect and future draft capital.
Free agency brought some significant new faces to the Prudential Center. On July 1, 2025, the Devils secured veteran forward Connor Brown with a four-year contract carrying an annual average value (AAV) of $3 million, a reliable presence known for his two-way play. Also joining on July 1st was free-agent forward Evgenii Dadonov, signing a one-year, $1 million contract with performance bonuses, offering a potentially high-reward addition to the offensive attack.
The Devils also committed to their goaltending, re-signing Jake Allen to a five-year contract with an AAV of $1.8 million on July 1, 2025. This long-term deal solidifies their netminding tandem. Other re-signings on July 1st included defenseman Dennis Cholowski to a one-year, one-way contract, and the addition of forward Angus Crookshank on a two-year deal, and defenseman Calen Addison on a one-year, two-way contract. These moves indicate a focus on retaining key pieces and adding organizational depth.
Beyond player movement, the coaching staff has seen some changes, aimed at optimizing player development and strategic play. Former Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton was brought on board as an assistant coach on June 11, 2025, with a focus on working with forwards and the power play. Just prior, on May 27, 2025, the Devils hired Brad Shaw as another assistant coach, renowned for his expertise in developing young defensemen. These additions follow the non-renewal of contracts for assistant coaches Ryan McGill and Chris Taylor, while Devils legend Sergei Brylin and goaltending coach Dave Rogalski remain with the team. Brylin’s continued presence offers invaluable insight and a connection to the team’s championship history.
On the Horizon: Potential Moves and Whispers Around the League
The rumor mill is always churning, and the Devils are no exception. One name frequently popping up in trade discussions is Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri. While his talent is undeniable, integrating him into the Devils’ roster presents a challenge given the existing strengths at center with Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, coupled with current cap constraints. It’s a fascinating thought, but the fit would need to be meticulously crafted.
Another potential target to bolster the bottom six forward depth is free agent Luke Kunin. Known for his versatility, hard-nosed play, and penalty-killing abilities, Kunin could be a valuable, low-risk addition.
On the other side of the trade speculation, young forward Dawson Mercer has been mentioned. A former first-round pick with top-six potential, Mercer’s inconsistent offensive production has made him a subject of discussion. Similarly, veteran forward Ondrej Palat could be a candidate to be moved, potentially freeing up $6 million in cap space, which would grant the Devils significant flexibility to pursue other impactful players.
Indeed, the idea of a Pavel Zacha return has sparked considerable conversation among fans and analysts alike. It’s been a decade since Zacha was drafted by the Devils, and after a trade to Boston, his name is once again in trade rumors. A potential reunion could solidify the Devils’ third-line center position, and with a new coaching staff, it wouldn’t be the same situation he was in previously. Any such deal would undoubtedly involve complex salary cap maneuvers and potentially moving other assets like Dawson Mercer or Ondrej Palat to make room. The team’s management will weigh if Zacha’s potential impact outweighs the cost and the implications of bringing back a former player.
Battling Back: Injury Updates and Expected Returns
Staying healthy is paramount, and the Devils have faced their share of challenges on the injury front. Defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic is expected to miss opening night due to a knee injury, a setback for the blueline. Captain Nico Hischier suffered a lower-body injury at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, which unfortunately cut his tournament short.
Positive news comes regarding star forwards Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes, both of whom underwent offseason shoulder surgeries and are anticipated to be ready for training camp, a crucial boost for the team’s offensive firepower. Defenseman Brenden Dillon also missed the final four games of the first-round series with a neck injury, but he is expected to be ready for the start of the season.
Looking Ahead: Other Notable Developments
Beyond the player and coaching news, the Devils faithful will be excited to hear that the beloved black “Jersey” jersey is slated to make a return for the 2025-26 season. This fan-favorite alternate jersey is sure to be a welcome sight.
On the ice, a key area of focus for the team will be to improve the chemistry between two of their dynamic forwards, Timo Meier and Jack Hughes, aiming to unlock their full potential together and maximize offensive success. Additionally, forward Brian Halonen is expected to get a bigger look in the NHL lineup during the 2025-26 season, suggesting an opportunity for a young player to make a significant impact.
Trades and signings
- Thomas Bordeleau: The Devils re-signed center Thomas Bordeleau to a one-year, two-way contract on July 24, 2025.
- Erik Haula: The Devils traded forward Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick. This trade was initiated on June 18, 2025.
- Connor Brown: The Devils signed forward Connor Brown to a four-year contract with an annual average value (AAV) of $3 million on July 1, 2025.
- Evgenii Dadonov: The Devils signed free-agent forward Evgenii Dadonov to a one-year, $1 million contract with performance bonuses on July 1, 2025.
- Jake Allen: The Devils re-signed goaltender Jake Allen to a five-year contract with an AAV of $1.8 million on July 1, 2025.
- Dennis Cholowski: Defenseman Dennis Cholowski was re-signed to a one-year, one-way contract on July 1, 2025.
- Angus Crookshank: The Devils signed forward Angus Crookshank to a two-year deal on July 1, 2025.
- Calen Addison: Defenseman Calen Addison was signed to a one-year, two-way contract on July 1, 2025.
- Jeremy Colliton: Former Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton was hired as an assistant coach on June 11, 2025.
- Brad Shaw: The Devils hired Brad Shaw as an assistant coach on May 27, 2025.
As the Devils continue to fine-tune their roster and prepare for the challenges ahead, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting one. Keep an eye on Explore New Jersey for all the latest updates and in-depth analysis of your New Jersey Devils! https://explorenewjersey.org/new-jersey-devils/
