The 2025 NHL Draft might not begin with a bang for the New Jersey Devils, but that doesn’t mean it won’t end with one.
New Jersey won’t be making noise in the first round this year—they dealt their first-round pick to Calgary in the Jacob Markstrom trade—but that doesn’t mean Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is heading into the draft empty-handed. Far from it. Despite the absence of a first-rounder, the Devils still have six total selections to work with, including two picks in the second round. Thanks to a flurry of strategic trades, only half of New Jersey’s picks in 2025 actually originated with the Devils themselves. The rest? Fitzgerald magic.
Want the full breakdown of where each pick lands? You can find the complete list of the Devils’ 2025 NHL Draft picks right here.
Building Around the Core
The Devils are no strangers to draft-day success. Seven of their current lineup regulars are homegrown products—a solid number, and right around league average. But that figure doesn’t even count names like Seamus Casey, Lenni Hameenaho, and Arseni Gritsyuk, all recent Devils draft picks poised to make a big splash next season.
While some teams lean heavily on trades or free agency to shape their rosters, the Devils have consistently looked to the draft to build a sustainable foundation. Fitzgerald has proven time and again that he’s not afraid to dig deep to find value in the mid-to-late rounds—and this year could be another strong opportunity to add to the pipeline.
2025 Draft Picks on Deck
Here’s what the Devils are currently working with in the 2025 NHL Draft:
- Second Round, Pick 50
- Second Round, Pick 62–64
(Dependent on how far the Edmonton Oilers go in the playoffs—thanks to the John Marino trade to Utah.) - Third Round, Pick 90
(Acquired in the trade that sent Akira Schmid and Alexander Holtz to Vegas.) - Fourth Round, Pick 114
- Sixth Round, Pick 161
- Sixth Round, Pick 178
(Obtained via a trade-back with Chicago during the 2024 Draft.)
Six picks. Two in the second round. Three trades. One team looking to stock up on future contributors.
Why No First-Rounder?
The absence of a first-round pick comes down to one name: Jacob Markstrom. The veteran netminder came to New Jersey in a deal that sent the Devils’ 2025 first-round pick to Calgary, along with defenseman Kevin Bahl. The pick was top-10 protected, but since the Devils finished with the 18th-overall selection, it officially transferred to the Flames.
For New Jersey, the trade was less about mortgaging the future and more about solving a long-standing problem in the crease. And with Markstrom in town, the Devils finally have the kind of stability in net that’s eluded them for years.
The Second-Round Sweet Spot
The last time New Jersey went without a first-round pick? They walked away with Lenni Hameenaho in the second round—a player now projected to be a long-term contributor. They also picked Cam Squires in the fourth, a forward who’s already turning heads as a potential NHLer.
This year’s second round holds similar potential, especially with two shots at it. The pick acquired from the Oilers could range from 62 to 64 overall depending on Edmonton’s playoff fate, and it’s those picks just outside the top 60 where savvy organizations find hidden gems. This is where the Devils’ scouts and development team really go to work.
Track Record of Draft Success
According to league-wide analysis, the Devils currently sit around 15th in draft efficiency—solid middle of the pack. Around 22% of their picks have gone on to play at least 200 NHL games. That number is likely to climb as players like Simon Nemec, Mikhail Yegorov, and Anton Silayev continue to develop.
Fitzgerald has proven time and again that even when the Devils aren’t in the spotlight, they’re still quietly making moves that shape the roster for years to come. Whether it’s a second-round steal or a sixth-round diamond in the rough, New Jersey’s front office knows how to find value where others might overlook it.
Eyes on the Future
With a young core already in place—Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Dawson Mercer, and Luke Hughes to name just a few—the Devils aren’t in a rebuild. They’re in reload mode. This year’s draft gives them another opportunity to do just that. With six picks and a reputation for drafting well, don’t be surprised if another key piece of the next great Devils team is added in one of those rounds.
For those following every move, you can stay updated with the full list of Devils 2025 NHL Draft picks here.