News Summary
The New Jersey Devils are revamping their roster ahead of the NHL season. Key signings include Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, while notable departures like Erik Haula and Brian Dumoulin leave room for new talent. With a focus on enhancing depth and assessing emerging players, the team aims to improve after a first-round playoff exit. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is keen on bolstering the lineup around promising talent, including Luke Hughes. As the season approaches, the Devils are strategically positioning themselves for greater competitiveness in the league.
Newark, New Jersey
The New Jersey Devils have made several significant roster changes this offseason as they prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season. Following a season where they finished with a record of 42 wins, 33 losses, and 7 overtime losses, placing third in the Metropolitan Division, the team aims to strengthen its lineup after a disappointing exit in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Among the key signings made on July 1, Connor Brown, a 31-year-old forward, signed a four-year contract. He is expected to provide depth on the right wing, having previously accumulated 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) during his time with the Edmonton Oilers. Additionally, Evgenii Dadonov, 36, joined the Devils by signing a one-year contract after scoring 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) last season with the Dallas Stars. His potential partnership with center Jack Hughes may secure him a spot in the top six players.
The team has also made strategic changes to its roster through trades and departures. Notably, Erik Haula was traded to the Nashville Predators on June 18 in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round draft pick for the 2025 NHL Draft. Haula contributed 97 points (41 goals, 56 assists) over three seasons with the Devils, highlighting the impact of this trade.
This offseason also saw the departure of Brian Dumoulin, who signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings after accumulating only six points in 19 games with New Jersey. Another notable departure was Tomas Tatar, who transitioned to Switzerland’s National League, securing a two-year contract with EV Zug after scoring 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) last season.
In terms of new acquisitions, the Devils added promising talent in Arseni Gritsyuk, who signed a one-year, entry-level contract after an impressive five-season run in the Kontinental Hockey League, where he notched 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 49 games last season. The team also signed Curtis Lazar to a one-year contract after he posted five points (two goals, three assists) in 48 games last season.
In a move that signals the team’s future direction, the Devils extended a qualifying offer to Luke Hughes, a 21-year-old defenseman whose contract is considered a top priority for General Manager Tom Fitzgerald. His deal is expected to significantly influence the team’s salary cap space and future roster decisions.
Fitzgerald remarked on the enthusiasm of players who wish to contribute toward the Devils’ vision of success, emphasizing the need to improve depth and evaluate new talent, particularly around Gritsyuk and Lazar. The addition of players like Brown, Dadonov, and Gritsyuk aims to enhance their bottom six, providing much-needed support to the team’s performance.
During the previous season, the Devils ranked eighth in the NHL for high-danger shots on goal, thanks in part to standout performances from players like Nico Hischier and Stefan Noesen. The management team remains open to further adjustments, monitoring the contract situation of Luke Hughes and considering additional roster moves that could capitalize on upcoming opportunities.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, the New Jersey Devils are strategically positioning themselves to enhance competitiveness in the league, focused on securing depth while assessing new and emerging talents.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
