By Nathan Erb
The New Jersey Devils thought this would be the year they'd return to the playoffs. If they were in the West, they'd have a shot. But in the highly competitive Eastern Conference, New Jersey fell out of the playoff picture in the weeks before the deadline, even after a 7 game winning streak. Now, the team and fans will spend the next 14 games looking for hope next year.
At the deadline, the Devils did what they could in an unusually quiet trade deadline. Their first deal was the biggest, sending Slater Koekkoek and Tyler Seguin to the Columbus Blue Jackets with a 1st round pick and an undisclosed amount of cash. Mitch Wahl and Thomas Chabot were also sent back to New Jersey, but were unable to flip them at the deadline. The Devils now have four 1st round picks in the upcoming draft. "We're in a good spot in terms of assets this offseason. We have a solid defense, but we need some more scoring. I'd expect to be making a lot of calls to get an impact player up front," said the Devils GM.
The Devils also sent Thomas Greiss to the Montreal Canadiens for Zac Fucale and a 2nd round pick. Fucale is likely to get a few starts down the stretch as he battles for a contract this offseason. Elvis Merzlikins and Jusse Saros are both signed next season. The Devils also moved Colin Miller for a 3rd round pick to the Wild.
Some good news out of New Jersey is that Cole Caufield has hit his endorsement in the midst of having a career season. He already has 28 goals and is on pace for 67 points, finally giving the Devils a true sniper.
Two major questions remain going into the offseason are the futures of Kailer Yamamoto and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. RNH is in his 6th full season in New Jersey, and no one has more highs and lows than the 35 year old forward. At his best, he was a 70 point playmaking center. He followed up with a career worst 19 points in 80 games -- a historic falloff. RNH has rebounded, but is now on pace for 38 points and isn't getting any younger. Will New Jersey keep him around?
Yamamoto was acquired in the offseason and has delivered as advertised. Still just 27, he's on pace for another 50 point season. With so many unrestricted free agents signing extension mid-season, there's a much smaller talent pool this offseason. Bringing back Yamamoto may be the best option out there.
"We didn't want to reward anyone with an extension with the inconsistency of the team. There have been some good individual efforts, but we weren't focusing on any long term extensions until the offseason, "said the Devils GM.
9/22/2026 - 466 words
