The New Jersey Devils are certainly keeping the faithful on the edge of their seats this offseason! As summer heats up, so too does the activity surrounding our beloved team, with a flurry of moves, rumors, and anticipation building for the 2025-26 campaign. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and his staff are clearly focused on refining the roster, addressing key areas, and building a squad capable of making a deeper run in the playoffs.
One of the latest additions to the forward group is Juho Lammikko, who has officially inked a one-year, $800,000 contract for the upcoming season. Formerly a strong presence for the ZSC Lions in the Swiss National League, Lammikko brings a much-needed dose of bottom-six grit and defensive responsibility. This signing is a strategic move to bolster the team’s depth, ensuring that every line can contribute effectively and consistently.
Meanwhile, a pivotal decision looms regarding the future of restricted free agent defenseman, Luke Hughes. While a short-term “bridge deal” might seem appealing to preserve immediate cap space, there’s a strong sentiment that this could be a shortsighted approach. Hughes is widely expected to develop into an elite blueliner, and securing him on a longer-term contract now could prove to be a significant value play in the grand scheme of things, ensuring a cornerstone of the Devils’ defense for years to come.
On the departure front, forward Tomas Tatar, a pending unrestricted free agent, has made the move overseas, signing a two-year deal with EV Zug in the Swiss National League. While this likely signals the conclusion of his NHL career, we might still see him proudly representing Slovakia in the 2026 Winter Olympics. We wish Tomas all the best in his new venture.
Speaking of individual accolades, there’s a prevailing feeling among some that Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom was not given his due respect in the recent Vezina Trophy voting. While the official results are in, the strong performances Markstrom consistently delivered for the Devils certainly left an impression on many, showcasing his critical role in the team’s success.
The team’s strategic adjustments extend to the coaching staff, with the recent hiring of Brad Shaw as an assistant coach. Shaw’s primary focus will be on refining the Devils’ defensive play, an area the team is keen to solidify. Interestingly, the Devils seem to have achieved a significant turnaround in their defensive fortunes, moving from past struggles to boasting a surplus of defensive talent – a good problem to have! This newfound depth on the blue line will undoubtedly be a key asset.
Another major decision awaiting General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is finalizing the goaltending tandem for the upcoming season. With Jake Allen and Nico Daws both in the mix, determining their respective roles and how to best utilize their talents will be crucial in ensuring a strong last line of defense. The overarching offseason goals for the Devils are clear: enhance offensive depth and strategically manage their robust defensive situation.
Beyond the confirmed moves, the rumor mill is buzzing! Whispers suggest the Devils might be open to trading their No. 10 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, potentially in a package to acquire an impact goaltender. Furthermore, there are tantalizing rumors circulating about the Devils’ interest in acquiring a star 60-point winger via trade, which would undoubtedly inject a significant boost to their offensive firepower.
Looking to the future, prospect Anton Silayev, currently playing in the KHL, is anticipated to attend the team’s upcoming development camp. His progress will be closely monitored as the organization continues to cultivate its pipeline of talent.
Overall, the sentiment surrounding the New Jersey Devils is one of active progression and strategic ambition. The team is making calculated moves to address key areas, aiming to build an even more competitive roster that can not only reach the playoffs but also advance deeper into the chase for the ultimate prize.
Scouting the Future: Ryker Lee – A Scoring Winger to Watch in the 2025 NHL Draft
As the hockey world looks ahead to the 2025 NHL Draft, one name generating significant buzz for the New Jersey Devils is Ryker Lee, a dynamic scoring winger from the USHL. This college-bound talent has seen his stock steadily rise in NHL Central Scouting’s rankings, making him a fascinating prospect for teams seeking offensive punch.
Born on November 8, 2006, in Wilmette, Illinois, Lee honed his skills before being accepted to the prestigious Shattuck-Saint Mary’s program in Minnesota. He’s firmly established himself as one of the premier goal scorers in the upcoming draft class. His lone full season in the USHL with the Madison Capitals was nothing short of spectacular, earning him Rookie of the Year honors with an impressive 31 goals and 37 assists in 58 games. He’s now set to continue his development with Michigan State University, where he’ll even face off against his Madison Capitals teammate, Mason Moe, who is heading to the University of Minnesota.
Standing at 6’0” and 181 pounds, Ryker Lee isn’t the largest player, and some scouts have noted his average-at-best skating and a developing defensive reputation. These factors could potentially see him fall slightly in the draft. However, for a team like the New Jersey Devils, actively seeking offensive help both in the immediate future and within their prospect pipeline, Lee’s exceptional hands, puck skill, and undeniable scoring instincts might be too compelling to overlook.
Lee’s draft rankings reflect his intriguing profile, placing him largely within the first two rounds across various sources. Elite Prospects, Dobber Prospects, Smaht Scouting, TSN’s Button, and Daily Faceoff are just some of the outlets that see him as a top-tier talent, with some ranking him as high as 23rd overall.
Scouts are particularly effusive about Lee’s offensive prowess. Matthew Buhrmann of The Hockey Writers highlights Lee’s offensive impact and power play ability, citing strong tracking data. Buhrmann also makes a compelling argument for Lee’s commitment to Michigan State as a reason for teams to consider him in the late first or early second round, suggesting that USHL players, despite often being overshadowed by their Canadian Hockey League (CHL) counterparts, demonstrate their offensive capabilities in a more defensively structured and challenging league. Smaht Scouting’s Dan Haurin praises Lee’s “distinctive dynamic element,” his ability to manipulate defenders, and his hard, accurate shot with a quick release, noting his exceptional shooting and expected goal generation rates.
While his offensive intelligence and skill are widely lauded, the recurring theme of his skating ability from some sources does raise a minor concern about his potential transition to the blistering pace of the NHL, especially if he doesn’t add significant size.
However, a closer look at his game film reveals flashes of brilliance. While he might sometimes force plays early, his offensive zone instincts are undeniable. He consistently finds shooting lanes and his teammates do well to get him the puck. On the power play, he seeks out prime scoring positions, and his offensive IQ shines through with smart puck choices. There are moments of pure magic, like a highlight-reel goal where he shields the puck, sets up a transition, and then finishes with a ridiculous individual effort after beating a defender. Another instance shows him confidently carrying the puck through three zones on a power play, demonstrating his willingness to take charge. He even notched a hat trick in one particular game, including a laser-like shot that found the back of the net.
Ultimately, while Ryker Lee’s size and perceived lack of physicality might deter some teams, his elite offensive talent and goal-scoring touch make him an incredibly appealing prospect. Teams in the mid-second round, particularly those hungry for a pure offensive threat, would be wise to hope for a talent like Ryker Lee to be available. The New Jersey Devils, with their stated goal of improving offensive depth, will certainly have their eyes on this promising young winger as the draft approaches. To learn more about the Devils’ plans and how they’re building for the future, visit https://explorenewjersey.org/new-jersey-devils/.