With the NHL offseason heating up and free agency just around the corner, the New Jersey Devils are heading into the summer looking to fine-tune their roster—and that includes some important decisions on the blue line. While the defense corps is largely intact with five defensemen under contract and two more on entry-level deals, there’s still room for improvement—especially following a frustrating end to the 2024-25 campaign.
Whether the Devils go big or stick to low-risk depth adds, the next few weeks will play a major role in shaping the team’s postseason potential next year. Let’s dive into the landscape of available unrestricted free agent defensemen—and what they could mean for Jersey’s back end.
Where the Devils Stand Now
As of early June, the Devils already have the core of their defense locked in. That includes Dougie Hamilton, Simon Nemec, Jonas Siegenthaler, and others, while Luke Hughes is expected to sign a new deal soon. However, Jonathan Kovacevic won’t be available to start the season due to injury, and last year’s inconsistencies on the back end leave the door open for at least one impactful signing.
Cap space is limited—hovering just above $12 million—and Luke Hughes’ new deal will eat into that. But if GM Tom Fitzgerald wants to make a splash, there’s talent to be had on the open market.
🔥 Top Free Agent Targets
Aaron Ekblad – The Big Fish
- Projected Contract: 7 years, $7.8M AAV
- Why He Fits: Championship experience, leadership, and a true top-pair presence. Ekblad would instantly raise the ceiling of this defense. He’s physical, skilled, and still just 29 years old.
- Why It’s Complicated: Price tag. Between Ekblad and Hughes’ new deal, the cap could get crunched quickly. Plus, with multiple teams likely lining up, the Devils could get outbid fast.
If New Jersey wants to make a statement and fix their defense in one move, Ekblad is the play—but only if the cap math works.
Dmitry Orlov – The Reliable Veteran
- Projected Contract: 3 years, $5.8M AAV
- Why He Fits: A solid second-pair defenseman with proven playoff experience. Orlov can anchor a pair and bring structure.
- Why It’s Tricky: He’s a lefty, and the Devils already have depth on that side once Hughes re-signs. The cost might be better spent elsewhere unless they shuffle the roster.
💎 Under-the-Radar, Budget-Friendly Options
Nate Schmidt
- Projected Contract: 2 years, ~$3M AAV
- Why He Fits: A steady presence and great locker room guy with 700+ NHL games. A short-term solution while Kovacevic is on LTIR.
- Downside: Could block a younger player’s development.
Parker Wotherspoon
- Projected Contract: 2 years, $1.35M AAV
- Why He Fits: Cheap third-pair option with recent success in Boston. Can log minutes without making mistakes.
- Outlook: Smart value pickup for depth, especially if the Devils plan to go big elsewhere.
Mike Reilly
- Projected Contract: <$1M
- Why He Fits: Great bounce-back potential after medical setbacks. If healthy, he’s a strong puck mover.
- Risk Factor: Health remains a question.
John Klingberg
- Projected Contract: ~$2M
- Why He Fits: Offensive skillset still intact, can play both sides of the ice. Adds a dimension the Devils lacked at times last season.
- Risk Factor: Defensive liability in high-pressure matchups.
🧪 Reclamation Projects and League-Minimum Vets
Oliver Kylington
Returned to the NHL after time away and could be a low-risk, high-reward gamble. If the Devils believe in his upside and fit in Sheldon Keefe’s system, he could be a sneaky addition.
Travis Dermott & Erik Johnson
If the Devils want to shore up depth for the minimum, these are veteran placeholders—capable in short bursts but not long-term solutions.
🔍 Final Thoughts: Depth or Splash?
The biggest question for the Devils heading into free agency: Do they swing for the fences with a name like Ekblad, or bolster the bench with cost-effective depth?
Given the limited cap flexibility and other needs still to address (including bottom-six forward support and backup goaltending), New Jersey will likely lean toward value-based signings unless a trade opens up more space.
Still, after last season’s defensive struggles and Kovacevic’s absence, standing pat doesn’t seem like an option. Even one smart, cost-efficient pickup could stabilize the group and give this team the defensive edge it needs to compete in the East.
What Do You Think, Devils Fans?
- Should New Jersey chase a star like Ekblad to anchor the defense for years to come?
- Or would you prefer the team focus on smart, reliable depth adds to keep the cap clean?
- Any underrated UFAs we didn’t mention who you think would thrive in red and black?
💬 Leave your thoughts in the comments—and check back soon as we continue to cover all the Devils offseason moves, rumors, and analysis.
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