News Summary
The New Jersey Devils are reshaping their roster for the upcoming NHL season, following a competitive previous year. They have made strategic signings, including Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, while also managing player departures, notably Erik Haula and Tomas Tatar. The team’s focus is on enhancing depth and retaining key talent like Luke Hughes as they aim for a stronger performance in the next season.
Newark, New Jersey — Offseason Developments for the New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are actively shaping their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season following a competitive 2024-25 campaign. The team finished with a record of 42 wins, 33 losses, and 7 overtime losses, which positioned them third in the Metropolitan Division. Despite making the playoffs, their journey ended in the Eastern Conference First Round. The team’s management is now focused on strategic signings, trades, and contract negotiations to bolster their lineup for next season.
Recent Signings and Contract Extensions
Significant additions include Connor Brown, who signed a four-year contract on July 1. The 31-year-old forward aims to provide depth on the right wing and contributed 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 82 games with the Edmonton Oilers last season. Additionally, Evgenii Dadonov, at age 36, signed a one-year deal. Last season, Dadonov accumulated 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) in 80 games with the Dallas Stars, and he’s expected to play a key role as a depth forward, potentially fitting into the team’s top-six line.
Trades and Player Departures
The Devils made a notable trade on June 18, sending Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Over three seasons with New Jersey, Haula registered 97 points, including 41 goals and 56 assists. His departure opens up room for new players and strategic line adjustments.
Furthermore, Brian Dumoulin signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1 after contributing six points (one goal, five assists) in 19 games with the Devils following his acquisition from the Anaheim Ducks. Meanwhile, Tomas Tatar left the team to join EV Zug in Switzerland’s National League on a two-year contract, after scoring 17 points last season for New Jersey.
Player Movements and New Arrivals
The Devils added fresh talent, including Arseni Gritsyuk, who signed an entry-level contract on May 6. Gritsyuk, a product of the Kontinental Hockey League, scored 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 49 games last season. Rookie defenseman Seamus Casey also made a notable impact, tallying eight points (four goals, four assists) in 14 games last season as a young defender and participating in playoff games.
Other new signings include Curtis Lazar, who signed a one-year contract with the Oilers on July 2 following a season in which he recorded five points (two goals, three assists) in 48 games.
Key Contract Negotiations and Future Plans
The management continues to prioritize contract negotiations for Luke Hughes, the 21-year-old defenseman whose qualifying offer has been extended. The outcome of Hughes’ contract negotiations is expected to influence the team’s salary cap and roster planning moving forward. Team General Manager Tom Fitzgerald emphasized his commitment to retaining core players and highlighted the importance of Hughes’ upcoming deal in shaping the team’s future strategies.
Team Performance and Strategic Focus
Last season, the Devils demonstrated offensive strength, ranking eighth in the NHL for high-danger shots on goal, with Nico Hischier and Stefan Noesen leading in that category. The team is also exploring depth options, with Dadonov potentially securing a spot in the top six, especially if partnered with center Jack Hughes.
Fitzgerald underscored the team’s ongoing efforts to improve by developing depth and evaluating new talent like Gritsyuk and Lazar. The team’s management is open to making further roster adjustments as the offseason progresses, contingent on negotiations and the finalization of Hughes’ contract.
Conclusion
With key signings, a recent trade, and ongoing contract negotiations, the New Jersey Devils are laying the groundwork for a competitive 2025-26 season. Their strategic moves aim to enhance team depth, retain critical players, and maintain flexibility within the salary cap, all with the goal of building on their recent playoff appearance and improving their standings in the upcoming season.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NHL: New Jersey Devils Roster Changes for 2025-26 Season
- Wikipedia: New Jersey Devils
- New Jersey Hockey Now: Luke Hughes Trade Rumors
- Google Search: New Jersey Devils 2025 season
- Pucks and Pitchforks: Tom Fitzgerald on Luke Hughes’ Contract
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Hockey League
- Full Press Hockey: Devils’ Offseason and Luke Hughes Extension
- Google News: New Jersey Devils offseason
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
