It’ll be defined by precision, by strategy, and most importantly, by whether or not Tom Fitzgerald can find one thing: another NHL-caliber center.
That might sound simple. It isn’t.
In a market where center depth is both prized and thin, the Devils are walking a tightrope. They don’t have the flexibility to overspend or the margin of error to make the wrong call. But what they do have is a chance — a narrow window to supplement Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier with a stabilizing presence down the middle. And if you’ve watched the Stanley Cup Playoffs lately, you know exactly why that matters.
Let’s dig into the big board, explore how these players could slot into the lineup, and break down which names are realistic, which are worth dreaming on, and which ones are probably best left alone.
First, the Foundation
The Devils have 11 forwards locked in for next season, including newly-signed Arseni Gritsyuk and newly-acquired Kurtis MacDermid. But this isn’t a full roster, and it certainly isn’t a complete one. If Erik Haula or Ondrej Palat are moved, if the team shifts its identity as expected under Sheldon Keefe, that forward group gets thinner — and slower — in a hurry.
Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier remain one of the best 1-2 punches in the league, but injuries, overuse, and inconsistent support have made that tandem vulnerable. The Devils still haven’t replaced Michael McLeod, and it’s shown. You can’t keep asking Nico Hischier to take every key draw and match up with every top line for 82 games plus playoffs. Something’s gotta give. The question is: who gives them that help?
🧊 Top Six Options: High Ceiling, High Risk
John Tavares – Veteran Power and Playoff Questions
Tavares is the ultimate test case in “Is it worth it?”
He’s a faceoff monster. He’s still a 70+ point player. And he’s on the edge of NHL immortality with 500 goals in sight. But he’s also nearly 35, has declining footspeed, and comes with years of playoff baggage from Toronto.
Still, if Sheldon Keefe vouches for him — and he’s interested in a new chapter away from the spotlight — Tavares could be an intriguing stopgap. His contract projection? Roughly $8M per year for three years. Expensive, but not absurd.
Verdict: Only if the price drops or the fit is flawless.
Sam Bennett – The 16-Game Warrior
You don’t need a scouting report to know who Sam Bennett is. Just watch the Panthers in the postseason.
He’s nasty. He’s clutch. He’s exactly what playoff hockey demands.
But he’s not an 82-game player. He’s never broken 60 points. And a max-term contract could turn ugly real fast when you’re staring down the back half of a physical player’s career.
Bennett brings attitude, identity, and big game chops — and yes, that’s something the Devils need more of. But buyer beware: that price tag might soar well above projections.
Verdict: Love the player. Hate the likely contract.
Brock Nelson – The Local Fit That Isn’t
Big, skilled, and still productive, Nelson looks like he’d fit on paper. But he’s 34, slowing down, and very clearly seems interested in going home to Minnesota.
The Devils could make a competitive offer. But with limited cap space and younger options out there, this feels like a Plan C at best.
Verdict: Good player, wrong timeline.
Matt Duchene – The Discount Dynamo
If you’re looking for value, Duchene has been one of the NHL’s best bargains in Dallas. He still has wheels, vision, and top-six scoring touch.
But like Nelson, he’s deep into his 30s and already in an ideal setup. Unless New Jersey blows him away with money — which they likely won’t — there’s no real reason for him to leave.
Verdict: Would be a home run. Won’t happen.
🧊 Bottom Six Options: Depth That Moves the Needle
Mikael Granlund – Versatile but Pricey
Granlund has been rejuvenated this season, showing he can still make plays and contribute in all situations. He’s not the elite playmaker he once was in Minnesota, but he’s far from washed.
The problem is he’ll likely be overpaid based on name value. For a team trying to thread the needle, overpaying for middle-six help is dangerous.
Verdict: Useful but not cost-effective.
Jack Roslovic – Quiet Value, Quiet Concerns
Roslovic is a bit of a wild card. He’s bounced around, but he always produces something. He has the speed this team craves and the skill to play in the bottom six.
And here’s the kicker: he might be cheaper than projected. If Roslovic comes in under $3M AAV, that’s a sneaky good add who can insulate Hischier and Hughes on the depth chart.
Verdict: One of the best bang-for-your-buck options.
Yanni Gourde – The Culture Guy
Gourde’s best days are behind him, but his identity is still sharp as ever. He’s been a tone-setter everywhere he’s gone — and that third-line Lightning group he anchored still looms large in memory.
He’s battled injuries and his point totals have dipped, but in terms of leadership, battle level, and playoff grit? He checks every intangible box.
Verdict: Only at a discount. But he fits the locker room like a glove.
🔥 The Bottom Line
The Devils aren’t shopping for stars this summer. They’re shopping for stability. And stability down the middle has never been more valuable — or harder to find.
This isn’t a fantasy draft. It’s roster building in the trenches. And what New Jersey decides over the next month will help determine whether they’re back in the playoff hunt next spring — or still trying to figure out what went wrong next April.
There are targets worth pursuing. There are contracts worth avoiding. And above all else, there’s no room for error.
Follow all the latest Devils news and updates all summer long at ExploreNewJersey.org. We’ll keep you ahead of the curve as the offseason unfolds.