The New Jersey Devils are edging closer to the start of training camp, which opens September 17, and this weekend’s news brought a flurry of roster updates designed to add depth and competition. The organization announced that veteran forwards Kevin Rooney and Luke Glendening, along with goaltenders Georgi Romanov and Adam Scheel, have signed Professional Tryout contracts (PTOs). These moves provide added stability at center and in goal, while also giving the Devils flexibility as they prepare for a demanding season. For expanded coverage of the team, visit Explore New Jersey Devils.
Veteran Forwards Looking to Earn Spots
Kevin Rooney’s return to the Devils is particularly notable. The center began his NHL career in New Jersey before spending the past three seasons with the Calgary Flames. Known for his penalty-killing ability, Rooney appeared in 70 games last year, logging nearly two minutes of shorthanded ice time per game. Over his career, he has recorded 60 points across 330 NHL games, providing valuable depth in the bottom six.
Luke Glendening, another PTO signing, brings 12 seasons of NHL experience from stints in Detroit, Dallas, and most recently Tampa Bay. With 83 goals and 83 assists in 864 career games, Glendening is best known for his faceoff dominance—he led the Lightning at 57 percent in draws last season—and his physical play, ranking among the team’s leaders in hits. His experience and versatility on the penalty kill make him a strong candidate to carve out a role in New Jersey’s forward rotation.
Goaltending Depth Bolstered Ahead of Camp
Between the pipes, the Devils have invited two undrafted goaltenders looking to prove themselves. Georgi Romanov, who appeared in 10 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks, is still searching for his first career win. While his overall record is 0-6-0 with a 3.53 goals-against average, flashes of promise have appeared, including a .967 save percentage in two standout performances during the 2023–24 season.
Adam Scheel, also signed to a PTO, has built his resume primarily in the AHL and ECHL. The 25-year-old netminder enjoyed a strong season with the Colorado Eagles, posting a 10-2-2 record and a 2.62 GAA in 14 appearances. A former U.S. National Team Development Program player, Scheel adds further competition to a goalie group that has dealt with its share of injury concerns in recent years. With Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen both carrying significant injury histories, the Devils’ decision to add depth at the position is a proactive move.
Roster Outlook Before Training Camp
While these PTO contracts don’t guarantee roster spots, they ensure internal competition and give the Devils additional options as they finalize their camp lineup. The updated roster released ahead of camp does not include Luke Hughes, who is still without a contract. Hughes is expected to sign before the season begins, but his absence on the early roster sheet raised eyebrows among fans eager to see the young defenseman cement his place on the blue line.
Preseason Schedule and Matchups
The Devils open preseason play on September 21 at the Prudential Center against the rival New York Rangers. Their schedule also includes games against the Islanders, Senators, Capitals, and Flyers—important tune-ups as head coach Travis Green evaluates line combinations, defensive pairings, and special teams. For fans, the early clashes against Metro Division rivals provide a first glimpse of how this roster may take shape.
Prospect Updates Highlight Development Focus
Beyond the PTO signings, the organization continues to keep an eye on prospects within the system. Josh Filmon, projected to begin the year in the AHL, has been singled out as needing a strong season to push toward an NHL role. Forward Samu Salminen faces a career-defining decision as he approaches the end of his college tenure, with the Devils awaiting clarity on whether he will commit to joining the organization or pursue another path.
Celebrating Devils Alumni
The weekend also brought good news for the franchise’s history books, as former Devils stars Zach Parise and Scott Gomez were announced as 2025 inductees into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Both players were pivotal figures in Devils history and their inductions are seen as a point of pride for the fan base.
Looking Ahead
The PTO additions are not just stopgap moves—they represent the Devils’ commitment to depth, accountability, and competition heading into the 2025–26 season. With training camp on the horizon, the organization has positioned itself to weather injuries, strengthen its penalty kill, and evaluate a mix of veterans and prospects. The coming weeks will reveal who earns a spot in the lineup and how the Devils plan to set the tone for a season where expectations remain high.
For complete Devils coverage, preseason updates, and in-season analysis, stay connected with Explore New Jersey Devils.
