The New Jersey Devils have been busy this offseason, strategically navigating player transactions and the NHL Draft to bolster their roster as they look to build a Stanley Cup contender. From significant re-signings to intriguing new acquisitions and draft picks, there’s plenty for Devils fans to talk about as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Shaping the Roster: Key Player Movements
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been actively addressing critical areas, focusing on enhancing depth scoring and strengthening the defensive corps. A major move saw the re-signing of veteran goaltender Jake Allen to a five-year deal, securing a steady presence between the pipes.
On the offensive front, the Devils brought in fresh talent and secured existing assets. They acquired forward Thomas Bordeleau in a trade with the San Jose Sharks, adding another promising piece to their forward group. Free agency also saw the arrival of experienced forwards Connor Brown on a four-year, $12 million contract and Evgenii Dadonov for a one-year, $1 million deal. Brown, a right-winger with valuable playoff experience from his time with the Oilers, is expected to slot into a middle-six role, bringing a gritty, two-way game. Additionally, the team successfully extended Cody Glass, a sought-after restricted free agent, with a multi-year agreement.
The defensive unit has also seen changes. The Devils traded Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Jeremy Hanzel. However, much of the recent speculation has centered around veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton, with reports suggesting he’s been involved in trade discussions with multiple teams. On another note, free agent Daniel Sprong, who had expressed a desire to remain with the Devils, might be heading overseas, with KHL teams reportedly showing interest.
Future Stars: The 2025 NHL Draft Class
The 2025 NHL Draft brought new prospects into the Devils’ pipeline, primarily focusing on forwards with skill and speed. Among their notable selections were Conrad Fondrk (50th overall), a skilled center committed to Boston University, and Ben Kevan (63rd overall), a fast and talented winger set to join Arizona State.
Other promising picks included center Mason Moe, goaltender Trenten Bennett, center Gustav Hillström, winger David Rozsíval, and defenseman Sigge Holmgren. Holmgren’s selection is considered a “big swing” due to him missing the entire past season with an injury, but his potential clearly intrigued the Devils’ scouting staff. These young talents will soon get their first taste of professional action at the Prospects Challenge, scheduled from September 11-15, where they will face prospects from the Blue Jackets, Sabres, and Bruins.
The Blueline Dilemma: Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, and Long-Term Strategy
Beyond the immediate transactions, a significant focus for the Devils’ front office, led by General Manager Tom Fitzgerald, revolves around the long-term future of their defensive core. A top priority is securing a contract extension for Luke Hughes, the younger brother of star forward Jack Hughes. Luke is entering his third NHL season and has quickly become a cornerstone of the Devils’ blueline. His contract situation has generated considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike, and rightfully so, given his status as a former top-five pick and a budding franchise defenseman.
However, another crucial, though somewhat less publicized, storyline involves fellow young defenseman Simon Nemec. Nemec, the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, is now officially eligible for a long-term extension. While Luke Hughes’ contract is more pressing as he’s a restricted free agent, Nemec still has one year remaining on his entry-level deal. The question for Fitzgerald and the Devils’ management is whether to commit to Nemec long-term, sign him to a bridge deal, or even consider him as a trade asset.
Nemec’s early NHL career has been a rollercoaster. After a promising rookie season in 2023-24, where he posted solid offensive numbers and impressive underlying statistics, his 2024-25 campaign was significantly impacted by an August shoulder injury and a coaching change. His production and defensive metrics saw a notable dip. However, Nemec truly rose to the occasion in the 2025 playoffs, stepping up admirably when the Devils’ blueline was decimated by injuries. His strong postseason performance, including a memorable double-overtime winning goal, showcased his potential and ability to perform under pressure.
The Devils face a crowded right side on their defensive depth chart, with veteran players like Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce, and Johnny Kovacevic already in place. This logjam, coupled with the team’s need for more scoring forwards and a consistent third-line center, has led to speculation about Nemec’s future. Trading a young, right-shot defenseman like Nemec, who holds considerable value around the league, could potentially address these offensive needs. Teams like the Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, and Minnesota Wild, all with varying needs on their blueline and potential forward depth to offer, could be viable trade partners.
Alternatively, a “bridge deal” for Nemec, similar to the one given to Dawson Mercer last offseason, could provide short-term stability and allow the team more time to assess his development. Projections suggest a two-year deal around $2.8 million AAV if signed next season, though this figure could rise significantly if Nemec has a breakout year.
The “high risk, high reward” option involves signing Nemec to a long-term contract now. While rare for defensemen with limited NHL experience who aren’t yet considered stars, there is precedent for such deals. Examples like Alex Vlasic (Blackhawks), Mattias Samuelsson (Sabres), Kaiden Guhle (Canadiens), and even former Devil John Marino (Penguins) illustrate that teams do commit to non-star defensemen long-term after a small sample size. Based on salary cap percentages of similar contracts, a six-year deal for Nemec could project to around $5.61 million AAV, although a strong negotiating position for the Devils might secure him for less, perhaps in the $4.5 million to $5 million range.
The decision ultimately hinges on Tom Fitzgerald’s belief in Nemec’s long-term potential. With new defensive coach Brad Shaw’s sterling reputation for developing blueliners, there’s a possibility Fitzgerald takes a calculated risk to lock in Nemec at a potentially below-market value before he fully blossoms. As the Devils continue to operate as a cap-ceiling team with key players like Luke Hughes and Nico Hischier needing future extensions, securing surplus-value contracts is paramount to their contention window.
Regardless of the path taken—trade, bridge, or long-term commitment—the strategic handling of both Luke Hughes’ and Simon Nemec’s contracts will be pivotal for the New Jersey Devils’ success in the coming years.
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