The New Jersey Devils can’t stop winning for the first time this season. Unfortunately, that still leaves the team 12 points out of a playoff spot with the rental period and trade deadline fast approaching. The Devils will surely be sellers. These players include:
David Pastrnak (80 OV, UFA)
Warren Foegele (77 OV, UFA)
Connor McMichael (77 OV, RFA)
Harrison Blaisdell (75 OV, RFA)
Alex Turcotte (79 OV, RFA)
Luca Sbisa (77 OV, RFA)
Lucas Johansen (77 OV, 2 yrs rem.)
Mikhael Grabovski (76 OV, UFA)
While the win streak is hurting their draft spot this offseason, it is highlighting many of the players who are putting up solid numbers and will be key pieces for the team going forward. Here’s a look at some of the players that will be the core coming back.
Dylan Cozens - Already 24 years old, the Devils first line center is on pace for a career high 58 points and is nearing 500 games played in the FNHL already. Cozens is a restricted free agent who is expected to sign a long term deal to stay in the swamp into his 30s.
Will Smith - Another 6th overall center drafted by the Devils, the 19 year old Smith is on pace for 20 goals and 50 points after dominating the minors in his rookie year. The center of the future is already here.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - After a disastrous and unheard of 2029 season where RNH put up just 19 points in 80 games, he has not only resurrected his career, he’s having his best year yet. He leads the team in points with a point-per-game pace. At 34, he’s in Jersey to stay when the rest of the league gave up on him.
Mitch Marner - He’s not the prolific scorer he showed signs of in Boston and Edmonton, and had a rocky first half of the season. With 5 years left on a monster deal, Marner is untradable, but New Jersey still has faith he can bounce back like RNH did.
Nikita Zadorov - A pending UFA isn’t often included in major plans for next season. But Zadorov has been the perfect fit in New Jersey. Thought to be a hard-nosed defensive defenseman, Zadorov is on pace for 41 points, ensuring New Jersey will open the checkbook at season’s end.
Laurent Brossoit - His stats may not show it due to the team’s struggles, but Brossoit has a winning record on a non-playoff team. He’s already reached 20 wins for the first time in his career and at just 28 is truly in his prime. With a better supporting cast, Broisset is poised to be a top goalie in the FNHL. Not bad for a 3rd round pick who has spent his entire career with one organization.
10/27/2025 - 450 words
