The New Jersey Devils are closing out the summer with a mix of optimism, unfinished business, and a few lingering questions as training camp looms. With roster moves, contract updates, injuries, and trade speculation dominating headlines, fans have plenty to digest heading into the 2025–26 NHL season. Here’s the latest from Newark.
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Devils Sign Thomas Bordeleau
The Devils added organizational depth in July by signing forward Thomas Bordeleau to a one-year, two-way contract. The 22-year-old brings creativity and speed to the forward group, and while he’ll likely see time in Utica, he could provide valuable call-up depth should injuries pile up during the season.
The deal fits into the Devils’ offseason trend of keeping the system flexible — adding skilled players without long-term commitments while the team figures out its final roster puzzle.
Prudential Center Earns National Recognition
The Devils’ home arena, Prudential Center, continues to prove why it’s one of the premier venues in the NHL. On July 24, the building — along with the Devils organization — was awarded a Stanley Award for excellence in fan experience and event presentation.
The recognition highlights not only the atmosphere Devils fans have built but also Newark’s standing as a premier hockey city.
Schedule Released for 2025–26
The Devils announced both their preseason (June 24) and regular season (July 16) schedules. Preseason play will give fans the first look at young prospects like Shane Lachance — a 6’5” forward out of Boston University who could push for a roster spot after a strong college season (12 goals, 30 points in 40 games).
The regular season, meanwhile, will test the Devils immediately as they look to build on their 42-33-7 record from 2024–25, which earned them a playoff berth before falling to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round.
Player News and Rumors
- Olympic Orientation Roster: Three Devils have been named to the USA Olympic orientation roster, adding an international spotlight to the organization.
- Contract Notes: The team signed a restricted free agent forward to a two-way deal earlier this summer, though the name remains under wraps publicly.
- Injury Report: Key players Luke Hughes, Brenden Dillon, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt are all listed as day-to-day.
- Jack Hughes’ Recovery: Perhaps the most important news — star center Jack Hughes is reportedly ahead of schedule in returning from offseason shoulder surgery. His health could define the season, as Nick Villano of Pucks and Pitchforks noted: a healthy Hughes means the Devils can compete with anyone in the Metropolitan Division.
Trade Buzz and Market Stalemate
The Devils have been linked to a host of potential trade targets throughout the summer — Mason McTavish, Jared McCann, Jason Robertson, Jordan Kyrou, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell, among others. But as of late August, nothing has materialized.
Seattle has already shut down rumors of McCann being available, and several other rumored targets carry either no-movement clauses or hefty price tags. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald appears to be exercising patience, potentially waiting until early in the season or even the traditional American Thanksgiving checkpoint to reassess.
Still, names like Dawson Mercer and Ondrej Palat have surfaced as possible trade chips, which underscores how unsettled the Devils’ forward group remains.
Scoring Issues and Power Play Dynamics
One of the biggest lessons from the 2024–25 season? 5-on-5 scoring was a glaring weakness. The Devils managed just 179 even-strength goals — well below the 218 averaged by the league’s elite teams.
To bridge the gap, the team needs more:
- Consistency from Timo Meier
- Growth from Dawson Mercer
- Stability from Ondrej Palat and Stefan Noesen
- Jack Hughes healthy for a full season
Interestingly, while the Devils had one of the league’s most dangerous power plays (ranked No. 3 overall, and top three historically in expected goals per 60 since 2008–09), even strength scoring lagged badly.
For Meier in particular, his production jumped once he earned more PP1 minutes late in the season. That has led some to argue for a permanent PP1 role this year, though with the Devils boasting a dominant unit already, it’s a tough decision for the coaching staff.
Who Could Fill the Top-Six Wing Hole?
To truly compete with the NHL’s best, the Devils may need one more top-six winger who can score at even strength. The search has been difficult, but a few names continue to stand out:
- Alex Tuch (Buffalo): A physical, productive winger with a cap-friendly deal ($4.75M). If the Sabres stumble, he’s the dream fit.
- Eeli Tolvanen (Seattle): An underrated 26-year-old forward with scoring touch and physicality, entering the final year of his deal.
- Marco Rossi (Minnesota): Young, skilled, but hungry for a bigger role — potentially available depending on the Wild’s direction.
The market remains thin, and for now, the Devils may roll into October with the roster largely intact. But expect Fitzgerald to be aggressive if the team stumbles out of the gate.
Offseason Report Card: Incomplete
So far, the Devils’ offseason has been one of small moves and speculation rather than blockbuster trades. The roster remains talented but unfinished. Unless the current core sees across-the-board improvement — particularly at 5v5 — New Jersey will again need to chase answers in-season.
Fans can take comfort in knowing this roster is still one of the youngest, deepest, and most skilled in the NHL. But the bar has risen, and after last year’s first-round exit, expectations in Newark are no longer just about making the playoffs — it’s about winning in them.
Looking Ahead
The 2025–26 season carries massive stakes. With Jack Hughes’ health, Nico Hischier’s leadership, and the continued development of Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, and the forward core, the Devils are positioned to be a legitimate Metropolitan Division contender.
But to leap from good to great, they’ll need more consistency at 5v5, better health, and possibly a key trade acquisition to balance the top six.
The summer may have been quiet, but the storylines brewing in Newark suggest this could be one of the most fascinating seasons in recent Devils history.
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