The hockey world never truly sleeps, and for fans of the New Jersey Devils, the offseason is already proving to be a fascinating time of strategic adjustments and roster maneuvers. As the team looks to build on its recent progress and prepare for an exciting future, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is making moves to refine the roster and position the Devils for success. Let’s break down the latest buzz from the Prudential Center.
A New Face in the Garden State: Devils Acquire Jeremy Hanzel in Haula Trade
In a significant early offseason move, the New Jersey Devils announced they have acquired defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft from the Nashville Predators. In exchange, veteran forward Erik Haula heads to Nashville. This transaction is a clear indication of the Devils’ strategic focus on both future assets and managing their salary cap.
Haula, a reliable two-way forward, provided valuable depth during his time with the Devils, particularly remembered for his offensive contributions during their 2022-23 playoff run. However, with limited cap space heading into the offseason, this trade provides the Devils with much-needed flexibility.
In return, the Devils welcome Jeremy Hanzel to the organization. Hanzel, a 22-year-old left-shot defenseman, brings promising defensive depth. Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, Hanzel spent last season playing in both the AHL and ECHL for Nashville’s minor league affiliates. He’s described as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman with good hockey sense and potential for offensive activation from the blueline. Acquiring a future draft pick also enhances the Devils’ already strong draft capital for 2025, giving them more opportunities to add young talent.
Navigating Free Agency: Key Players and Priorities
As the NHL offseason progresses, the Devils are also preparing for the upcoming free agency period, with several important players set to hit the market.
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs): Among the notable UFAs are goaltender Jake Allen and defenseman Brian Dumoulin. Allen, who arrived via trade last season, expressed a desire to remain with the Devils. However, with the team’s cap situation, his return may hinge on the economics. Dumoulin, a veteran blueliner, also becomes a UFA, leaving a potential void on the defense. Other UFAs include forwards Nathan Bastian, Curtis Lazar, and Justin Dowling, all of whom provided depth in the bottom six. Forward Tomas Tatar has already inked a deal in Switzerland.
Restricted Free Agents (RFAs): Crucially, the Devils also have key Restricted Free Agents whose futures need to be resolved. Defenseman Luke Hughes is undoubtedly the team’s top priority to re-sign this offseason. As a cornerstone of the Devils’ future blueline, securing his long-term contract is paramount. Forward Cody Glass is another RFA who the Devils will look to bring back into the fold.
Offseason Game Plan: Addressing Needs and Building for the Future
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been clear about the team’s offseason priorities:
- Bottom-Six Forward Group: With several players from the bottom-six forward group heading into free agency, the Devils will be actively looking to bolster this area of the roster. This will involve seeking out players who can provide reliable defensive play, energy, and occasional scoring punch.
- Re-signing Luke Hughes: As mentioned, locking up Luke Hughes to a new deal is the absolute top priority. His offensive prowess and developing defensive game make him an indispensable part of the Devils’ core.
- Defensive Logjam: The Devils possess a wealth of talent on the blueline, creating a “defensive logjam.” This means Fitzgerald will likely look to resolve this surplus, potentially through further trades, to ensure balanced ice time and optimize the defensive corps.
Other Notable News from the Devils’ Camp:
- Olympic Hopes: Devils stars Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jonas Siegenthaler have all been named to Switzerland’s preliminary roster for the 2026 Olympics, showcasing the international talent within the Devils’ ranks.
- Coaching Moves: Former Devils assistant coach Chris Taylor has joined the coaching staff of the Seattle Kraken, marking a new chapter in his career.
The New Jersey Devils are clearly entering a pivotal offseason. With shrewd roster management, key re-signings, and targeted acquisitions, the team aims to build a contender capable of making a deep run. Keep an eye on all the latest developments as the Devils continue to shape their path to success! For all your New Jersey Devils news and updates, keep it locked on our New Jersey Devils section!