The New Jersey Devils entered the 2024-25 NHL season with high expectations, built on a dynamic core, playoff experience, and some key offseason additions. But as the dust settles from their first-round playoff exit, the focus shifts to a glaring issue highlighted in Tom Fitzgerald and Sheldon Keefe’s end-of-season press conference: depth scoring simply wasn’t good enough.
Fitzgerald’s Frustration: Not Just Talk
In the postseason media availability, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald didn’t sugarcoat his assessment. “Players underachieved,” he said plainly, pointing out that some proven NHL scorers failed to deliver the depth offense needed to support the team’s stars. While injuries and defensive system adjustments played roles, the numbers back Fitzgerald up — the Devils finished 20th in goals scored. That’s a long way from contender territory.
Let’s break down exactly where the scoring dried up — and who needs to step up if New Jersey wants to reclaim elite status in 2025-26.
Dawson Mercer: Consistent But Stalled
Dawson Mercer’s 19-goal campaign wasn’t a disaster by any means. But it felt more like treading water than growth. Mercer played top-six minutes, power play shifts, and remained an all-situations forward — but he ended the season with just one fewer goal than last year and only 69 points over his last two seasons combined.
For a player projected as a future 50–60-point contributor, this level of output is underwhelming. Mercer has the tools, but he hasn’t translated opportunity into elevation. If the Devils expect to thrive under Sheldon Keefe’s system, Mercer must unlock another gear.
Erik Haula: Injury, System Fit, or Simply a Step Back?
No player felt the wrath of regression quite like Erik Haula. After tallying 76 points across his first two years in New Jersey, Haula dropped to a career-worst 21 points in 2024-25 — his lowest since his second season in the NHL.
Injuries were part of the problem; Haula missed 13 games and never fully bounced back after returning. But he also struggled within Keefe’s more structured, defense-oriented system. The Devils counted on Haula to drive play on the third line and add secondary scoring, especially against tough matchups. Instead, they got a player who looked disconnected for much of the year, aside from a decent (albeit unlucky) playoff performance.
Ondrej Palat: Quietly Reliable Amidst Chaos
In contrast, Ondrej Palat had a quietly solid campaign. His 15 goals matched his career average, despite playing fewer minutes than ever before. In fact, 15 goals were his best total yet in a Devils sweater. Palat also helped anchor the team’s most effective five-on-five playoff line with Nico Hischier and Timo Meier.
While Palat’s contract still sticks out due to its cap hit, his production was right on track. He’s not the source of the scoring problem — if anything, he’s one of the few veterans who met expectations.
The Blueline Factor: Defensemen Didn’t Deliver
Scoring from the defense fell off a cliff this year. In 2022-23, Devils blueliners scored 48 goals. That number dropped to just 31 this season — a staggering 17-goal shortfall. Dougie Hamilton’s injury and limited effectiveness post-surgery played a role, as did the departure of Damon Severson and Ryan Graves.
Players like Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec have tremendous upside, but both still have room to grow in how they generate offense. Hughes, for example, had one of the lowest shot-through rates in the league (36.9%). That means the majority of his attempts never reached the net. Once these young defensemen learn to navigate NHL defenses more effectively, their point totals — and the team’s goal total — should rise.
Nemec, in particular, showed promise in transition and scored a clutch goal in the playoffs, but he needs to be more assertive offensively if the Devils want to reclaim their blueline scoring identity.
Timo Meier: A Star Who Must Shine Brighter
Then there’s Timo Meier. Signed to be a top-line power forward, Meier brought effort and improved defensive play this season, but fell short offensively. With just 26 goals and under 10 on the power play, Meier’s numbers didn’t reflect his potential — or his price tag.
Meier scored 40 goals two seasons ago, 17 of them on the man advantage. If he even comes close to that level in 2025-26, the conversation around depth scoring might disappear. Meier doesn’t need a reset — he needs to re-establish himself as one of the league’s premier goal-scorers.
Can New Additions Like Daniel Sprong Help?
One potential wild card for the Devils is Daniel Sprong. Keefe noted his “high-end NHL finishing skills”, which could boost the bottom six if utilized correctly. Sprong has always been an efficient scorer in limited minutes — he might be exactly the kind of spark plug that makes a difference when the stars aren’t clicking.
Prospect Pressure: Gritsyuk, Hameenaho, Casey, and More
Internally, the Devils may turn to their next wave of prospects for solutions. Arseni Gritsyuk and Lenni Hämeenaho bring scoring pedigree and versatility, though it’s unclear if either is ready for full-time NHL duty. Seamus Casey might get a cup of coffee, but expect him to spend most of next year in Utica unless an injury opens a door.
With young talent like Nemec, Hughes, and Mercer in the pipeline, the Devils aren’t without hope — but they’ll need internal growth to match high expectations.
Brian Dumoulin: A Short-Term Savior, But Long-Term Fit?
One veteran worth revisiting is Brian Dumoulin, who played heroically in the playoffs after being acquired at the deadline. Despite only 24 games as a Devil, Dumoulin was leaned on heavily, especially after injuries decimated the blue line.
His future in New Jersey remains uncertain. At 34, Dumoulin is a steady hand, but does he fit in a younger, more dynamic defensive corps? If Johnny Kovacevic is sidelined long-term, Dumoulin could return on a short deal to provide insurance and experience. But if the Devils stay healthy and prioritize youth, Dumoulin may find himself suiting up elsewhere.
For a deeper look at Dumoulin’s UFA case and impact on the Devils, read our Brian Dumoulin profile here.
The Bottom Line
If the Devils want to return to contender status in 2025-26, they can’t just rely on flashy new acquisitions or hope for health. Internal improvement is essential. Players like Mercer, Haula, and Meier must raise their game. The defense has to chip in more goals. And the next wave of prospects must be ready to seize opportunities.
Sheldon Keefe now has a full offseason to evaluate, adjust, and build his system around the team’s true strengths. But as Fitzgerald made clear, no one is off the hook. This offseason, the Devils need more than hope — they need goals.
For more analysis, updates, and offseason coverage, visit our New Jersey Devils hub.
