The New Jersey Devils strategizing their roster changes for the upcoming NHL season.
The New Jersey Devils are enhancing their roster for the upcoming NHL season with crucial signings and trades. Key additions include Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, while Erik Haula was traded to Nashville. The team is also negotiating contracts for young talents like Luke Hughes as they aim to build on last season’s solid performance. With a focus on team chemistry and depth, the Devils are preparing for a competitive season ahead.
Newark, New Jersey – The New Jersey Devils are gearing up for the 2025-26 NHL season with a strong offseason marked by several key signings and trades that aim to bolster the team’s roster. Following a decent 2024-25 season, where the Devils finished with 42 wins, 33 losses, and 7 overtime losses, they are making strategic moves to enhance their performance and depth on the ice.
Among the notable additions, Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov have signed contracts to join the team. Brown, a 31-year-old forward, inked a four-year deal on July 1. He brings with him experience from the Edmonton Oilers, where he recorded a total of 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 82 games last season. Likewise, 36-year-old Dadonov has signed a one-year contract, likely serving as a depth forward. Last season with the Dallas Stars, he made a significant impact with 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) over 80 games.
The team is not only bringing in new players but also making impactful trades. Erik Haula has been traded to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. Over his three seasons with the Devils, Haula accumulated 97 points (41 goals, 56 assists) and contributed 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) during the last season alone.
In other roster updates, Brian Dumoulin has signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings after a brief stint with the Devils, where he managed six points (one goal, five assists) in 19 games. Additionally, Tomas Tatar has transitioned to the Swiss National League, having signed a two-year contract with EV Zug after scoring 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) last season. Meanwhile, Curtis Lazar secured a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers after a season tally of five points (two goals, three assists) in 48 games.
New Jersey’s offseason activity also includes the signing of Arseni Gritsyuk to a one-year, entry-level contract on May 6. Gritsyuk, fresh off five successful seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League, scored 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 49 games last season and is seen as a promising addition to the squad. In addition, Seamus Casey, a 21-year-old defenseman, had a solid rookie season with eight points (four goals, four assists) in 14 games and was included in the playoff roster.
The Devils are focusing on key contract negotiations as General Manager Tom Fitzgerald extended a qualifying offer to 21-year-old defenseman Luke Hughes. Securing Hughes’ contract is a top priority, as it could have significant implications for the team’s salary cap and future roster decisions. Fitzgerald emphasized the commitment of the players to the team’s vision and their eagerness to stay with the Devils as they work towards improvement.
The Devils showed a solid performance last season, ranking eighth in the NHL for high-danger shots on goal, with players like Nico Hischier and Stefan Noesen leading the charge. With the new additions, Dadonov potentially finding a role in the top six alongside center Jack Hughes, and Fitzgerald’s ongoing focus on roster depth, the Devils appear to be positioning themselves for a successful upcoming season while closely monitoring Hughes’ contract situation that could dictate further moves.
Overall, the New Jersey Devils are committed to enhancing their team chemistry, evaluating new talent, and solidifying their position in the league as they head into a new season.
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