Explore New Jersey Sports | Devils Hockey Recap & Honors
The 2024-25 NHL season was an up-and-down journey for the New Jersey Devils—marked by flashes of brilliance, stretches of frustration, and ultimately a campaign that ended just shy of expectations. While the Devils didn’t make the deep playoff run fans had hoped for, their 42-33-7 record reflected both the team’s growing pains and its undeniable talent.
From breakout stars to locker room leaders, the Devils still had plenty to celebrate. As the team regroups for what’s sure to be an action-packed offseason, it’s time to look back and recognize the players who stood out, stepped up, and gave Devils fans something to cheer for.
Most Valuable Player: Jack Hughes
Despite battling through injuries that sidelined him for key stretches, Jack Hughes once again proved he’s the heartbeat of this Devils roster. When he was healthy, Hughes was electric—leading the team in points and driving play every time he hit the ice. His combination of vision, puck handling, and pure offensive creativity made him nearly impossible to defend, even against the league’s top matchups.
More than just numbers, Hughes brought energy and leadership to a team that leaned on him heavily in tight games. It’s clear that as Jack goes, so go the Devils.
Best Defenseman: Luke Hughes
It didn’t take long for Luke Hughes to carve out his own identity beyond just being Jack’s younger brother. The rookie blueliner was one of the most exciting stories of the season for New Jersey, showing poise, speed, and a surprising level of maturity for his age. Whether rushing the puck up ice or holding down the blue line, Luke made a strong case for himself as a future top-pairing D-man.
His skating and offensive instincts helped spark several key plays throughout the season, and his growth game-by-game suggests the Devils have something truly special on their back end.
Top Goaltender: Jake Allen
While goaltending was a challenge for the Devils all year, Jake Allen brought some much-needed stability when it mattered most. Acquired midseason, Allen stepped into a high-pressure situation and delivered quality starts, often keeping the Devils in games they had no business being in.
With a calm presence in the crease and a strong veteran mindset, Allen was a key reason the team remained competitive down the stretch. His performance was a reminder that steady goaltending can be the backbone of a young, fast-paced team still figuring out its identity.
Breakout Player: Dawson Mercer
Talk about taking the next step—Dawson Mercer elevated his game this season in a major way. Known for his two-way play and hockey IQ, Mercer added more scoring punch to his game while remaining a key piece on both the power play and penalty kill.
He played in all situations, often tasked with shutting down opposing stars while still finding ways to contribute offensively. Mercer’s versatility and durability make him one of the most valuable under-the-radar players on the Devils’ roster.
Most Improved Player: Alexander Holtz
After a couple of seasons trying to find his rhythm at the NHL level, Alexander Holtz finally made his presence known in 2024-25. With improved confidence and consistency, Holtz emerged as a reliable secondary scorer, showcasing his elite shot and willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice.
The young winger seemed more comfortable in the flow of the game and showed flashes of the top-tier sniper the Devils believed he could become when they drafted him. If his trajectory continues, Holtz could become a major piece in the team’s long-term offensive core.
Unsung Hero: Erik Haula
While the spotlight often shined on younger stars, Erik Haula did the dirty work that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet. Whether it was taking key faceoffs, killing penalties, or mentoring younger players, Haula brought a lunch-pail mentality to the Devils’ bottom six.
He embodied the kind of veteran presence every contending team needs—a glue guy who makes everyone around him better and shows up every night with purpose.
Rookie of the Year: Simon Nemec
Simon Nemec, the highly touted defense prospect, didn’t disappoint in his rookie campaign. Calm under pressure and effective at both ends of the ice, Nemec quickly found his place in the lineup and never looked back.
His decision-making and ability to transition the puck cleanly made him a valuable asset on the back end, and his chemistry with Luke Hughes gave the Devils a glimpse of what could be an elite defensive tandem for years to come.
Fan Favorite: Timo Meier
Timo Meier might not have led the team in scoring, but his physicality, hard-nosed play style, and clutch performances in big moments made him a fan favorite at Prudential Center. Whether he was throwing a big hit or battling in front of the net, Meier brought intensity and effort every night—qualities that Devils fans have always embraced.
As the team looks to climb further up the standings next season, Meier will no doubt continue to play a critical leadership role both on and off the ice.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Build On
While the Devils fell short of the ultimate goal, the 2024-25 season wasn’t without its milestones and moments of promise. From Hughes’ brilliance to the emergence of future stars on defense, the foundation is clearly there. With another offseason to retool, the Devils are poised to come back hungrier, tougher, and more prepared for a deep playoff run.
For fans across New Jersey, the future is bright—and these season awards are a reminder that even in a season of ups and downs, the journey is worth celebrating.
NJ Devils Offseason Outlook
The New Jersey Devils’ 2024-25 campaign is officially in the books. While the year included a playoff return and signs of development, it ended with more questions than answers—and now, the spotlight shifts to General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and newly-installed head coach Sheldon Keefe as they prepare to address the media.
This week’s end-of-season press conference isn’t just a formality. It’s a pivotal opportunity to take accountability, set expectations, and outline the vision moving forward. Devils fans, already deeply engaged in analyzing what went wrong and what must improve, are eager to hear specifics—not platitudes.
So, if we had a seat in the room, here’s what we’d be asking.
1. Where Does the Scoring Go From Here?
In 2022-23, the Devils ranked fourth in the NHL in goals per game. Two seasons later, they’ve plummeted to 20th. That’s not just a blip—that’s a trend. It’s also the single biggest reason they exited the playoffs early.
What’s behind the slide? Injuries to key players certainly played a role, but there’s more to the story. The power play sputtered (especially in the Carolina series), and the team often overpassed, trying to create highlight-reel goals instead of grinding for greasy ones. Too often, chances went unfinished or fizzled before a shot even reached the net.
Fitzgerald and Keefe need to address whether this was a systemic issue, a personnel problem, or both. What’s being done to simplify offensive zone play, create more net-front presence, and ensure the puck is actually going toward the crease?
2. What’s the Plan for the Bottom Six?
If the top six forwards are expected to drive scoring, the bottom six needs to bring identity—and right now, the Devils don’t have one.
The third and fourth lines were a patchwork of veterans, placeholders, and question marks. The current mix—Curtis Lazar, Erik Haula, Nathan Bastian, Tomas Tatar—offered little cohesion or consistency. They weren’t feared defensively, they weren’t dangerous offensively, and they weren’t particularly physical. That has to change.
Are we aiming for a shutdown line? A forechecking group that tilts the ice? Or just capable skaters who won’t hurt the team? Clarity here matters, especially if prospects like Arseni Gritsyuk or Lenni Hämeenaho are going to be given legitimate opportunities.
3. What Happened After Christmas?
Pre-Christmas Devils? A fast, fun, high-octane team that looked like a legitimate Eastern Conference threat. Post-Christmas Devils? Disjointed, inconsistent, and often flat.
The drop-off was as dramatic as it was puzzling. Shot share, expected goals, and overall pace cratered. Worse yet, it wasn’t all about injuries. Key players were still in the lineup. The schedule wasn’t unforgiving. And some of the worst losses came against struggling teams.
We’d love to hear Keefe’s diagnosis. Was it a matter of fatigue? Preparation? Coaching adjustments that didn’t land? The post-holiday collapse was too severe to be dismissed as “one of those things.” It demands introspection—and a clear plan to prevent it from happening again.
4. Are You Truly Satisfied With Player Buy-In?
Last year, Fitzgerald made cryptic comments about gym work and team culture. If there was a problem then, was it resolved this year? Did the leadership group step up? Were offseason expectations met?
From the outside, the 2024-25 squad appeared locked in during training camp and the first half of the season. But as adversity mounted, cracks formed. Was the internal accountability strong enough? Did the locker room keep its edge?
This team is transitioning from “young and promising” to “expected to compete.” With that shift comes the need for mature, driven leadership from top to bottom.
5. What’s the Timeline for Luke Hughes’ New Contract?
Let’s not beat around the bush—Luke Hughes is the future of the blue line. Getting him locked into a long-term deal should be a priority, ideally this summer.
A deal in the range of eight years and $8.5 million AAV, similar to what Brock Faber got in Minnesota, feels like the right move. It secures a franchise cornerstone and avoids the bridge-deal trap that can lead to ballooning salaries later.
We’re not expecting Fitzgerald to negotiate in public, but fans deserve to know how close both sides are and if a long-term commitment is truly the goal.
6. How Does the Cap Crunch Affect the Offseason?
The Devils’ cap situation will shape everything that happens this summer. With significant money already committed—and potential raises for Hughes and others—it’s clear that tough choices are coming.
That brings us to Jake Allen. Projected at around $3.5 million, he might be too expensive for a backup, especially with Nico Daws waiting in the wings. Is Fitzgerald willing to gamble on a Daws/Markstrom tandem, or is a more stable veteran still on the wishlist?
More importantly, is the front office ready to lean into cheap youth like Gritsyuk, Hämeenaho, or Shane Lachance to fill out the roster? If so, those young players must be ready—not just cost-effective.
7. Can Fitzgerald Make the Tough Cuts This Summer?
Every team preaches “culture,” but the best GMs know when to get ruthless. Fitzgerald has proven he can be a persuasive recruiter—but can he play the bad cop too?
That might mean moving on from Ondrej Palat, Erik Haula, or even Dougie Hamilton, if it opens up the cap space needed to build a deeper, more competitive roster. These aren’t easy moves. But if the Devils want to make serious noise in 2025-26, they can’t let loyalty—or past success—block progress.
Other organizations like Vegas or the Rangers have shown that tough love often leads to results. It’s time for Fitzgerald to show he can do the same.
Closing Thoughts: What Fans Deserve
Thursday’s media availability isn’t just about wrapping up a season—it’s about setting the tone for the next one. Devils fans are smart, loyal, and hungry for a contender. They deserve real answers, honest accountability, and a clear blueprint for building a better team.
We’ll be watching closely to see what Tom Fitzgerald and Sheldon Keefe have to say. And more importantly, whether their actions this offseason match their words.
Explore New Jersey will continue covering all things Devils—free agency rumors, trade buzz, contract talk, and offseason analysis. Explore New Jersey will also continue to spotlight local sports, players, and stories that matter most to fans in the Garden State. Stay tuned for offseason coverage, trade rumors, and everything Devils hockey as the 2025-26 season approaches.
