The New Jersey Devils are making headlines this offseason, with General Manager Tom Fitzgerald leading the charge in reshaping the team’s future. From securing key players to navigating the complexities of the NHL Draft and Development Camp, there’s been no shortage of action. It’s a clear indication that the Devils are committed to building a competitive squad, especially with a sharp focus on retaining their young talent, a strategy critical for long-term success. For an in-depth look at everything happening with the team, dive into the latest updates with Explore New Jersey’s dedicated New Jersey Devils section: New Jersey Devils.
Development Camp Insights: The Future is Bright (and Busy!)
The recent Devils Prospect Development Camp has wrapped up, offering a glimpse into the organization’s promising pipeline and shedding light on the journeys of several key young players.
One notable update from camp involves forward Cole Brown. While there was some buzz about him potentially signing an entry-level contract, it appears Brown is set on heading to Notre Dame. In a recent interview, Brown expressed his excitement about joining his new college teammates. This decision highlights the increasing importance of NCAA development for promising prospects, allowing them to hone their skills in a structured environment before potentially transitioning to professional hockey. It remains to be seen if he’ll eventually join the Utica Comets, the Devils’ AHL affiliate, to vie for an NHL spot in the coming seasons.
Unfortunately, the Devils’ first pick in this year’s second round, Conrad Fondrk, is still on the mend. He’s at camp, soaking in the atmosphere and participating in off-ice activities and meetings, but he’s yet to hit the ice as he recovers from a broken leg. The hope is for Fondrk to be fully recovered and ready to join goaltending prospect Mikhail Yegorov at Boston University for the upcoming season.
On a more positive note, defenseman Sigge Holmgren, the Devils’ sixth-round selection in the 2025 draft, is back to full health. Holmgren missed the entirety of last season due to a dislocated shoulder that required surgery. His surprise at being drafted, as he recounted with a laugh in a translated interview, speaks volumes about his perseverance. After multiple aggravations to the injury, he’s now 100% healed and eager to prove himself.
The camp concluded with a spirited 3-on-3 scrimmage, a traditional highlight that saw Team White clinch a 2-1 victory over Team Red thanks to a shootout goal by Chase Cheslock. Goaltender Veeti Louhivaara made a crucial save in the shootout to secure the win for Team White.
Offseason Moves: Shaping the Roster
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been particularly active in free agency and the trade market, making strategic moves to bolster the Devils’ roster.
One of the biggest storylines revolves around Luke Hughes. Fitzgerald has been very clear: signing the talented young defenseman to a long-term contract is the team’s absolute top priority this offseason. This underscores the organization’s commitment to building around its core of young stars. Adding to the buzz, there have been whispers of Dougie Hamilton being explored in trade discussions. Should a deal involving Hamilton materialize, it could free up significant cap space, further enabling the Devils to secure Hughes’ long-term future.
In terms of new faces, the Devils acquired forward Thomas Bordeleau in a trade with the San Jose Sharks, a move aimed at adding more depth to their forward group.
On the free agency front, the Devils have been busy. They successfully re-signed forward Cody Glass to a two-year, $2.5 million contract, and brought in veteran forward Evgenii Dadonov on a one-year, bonus-laden $1 million deal to address depth scoring. Additionally, Connor Brown joined the team on a four-year, $3 million AAV contract, and veteran goaltender Jake Allen was re-signed to a five-year, $1.8 million AAV deal, solidifying the crease. Further bolstering their depth, Angus Crookshank signed a two-year deal, and defenseman Calen Addison joined on a one-year, two-way contract.
Behind the Bench and Beyond:
The Devils’ coaching staff has also seen some significant changes. Assistant coaches Ryan McGill and Chris Taylor will not have their contracts renewed, nor will head video coach Jerry Dineen and Utica Comets assistant coach David Cunniff. The team is actively searching for replacements, signaling a potential new direction for the coaching philosophies within the organization.
In other news, MSG Networks has announced Don La Greca as the new play-by-play announcer for the Devils, taking over from Bill Spaulding. La Greca, a familiar voice to many New Jersey sports fans, brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong passion for the Devils to the broadcast booth.
As the offseason progresses, the New Jersey Devils are clearly taking proactive steps to refine their roster, develop their promising prospects, and build a strong foundation for future success. With key extensions on the horizon and new faces in the lineup, the excitement for the upcoming season is already palpable across the Garden State.