Evgenii Dadonov has already spoken to two of his new coaches.
New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe reached out to Dadonov and spoke about the team and the opportunity that could await the 36-year-old, while Sergei Brylin texted him to congratulate him on signing with New Jersey.
As a free agent, Dadonov signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Devils on 1 July 2025. He spent the past three seasons with the Dallas Stars, reaching the Western Conference Final each year.
Multiple teams were interested in the veteran winger, but he ultimately chose New Jersey, seeing an opportunity for himself among Keefe's forward group.
The nature of that opportunity and role is yet to be determined.
Dadonov is coming off a 40-point (20 goals, 20 assists) campaign. It was the first time since the 2018-19 season that he appeared in 80 games. It marked the fifth time in his career that he reached the 40-plus point mark.
"I try to play and give everything I have and do my best," he said during his introductory media call with Devils reporters. "It doesn't always happen, but I try to help the team as much as I can. That is all I can do."
When examining what Keefe could cook up regarding his lines to start the 2025-26 season, Dadonov is an interesting player to look at in terms of where he could be the most beneficial.
Considered a depth signing by Devils' general manager Tom Fitzgerald, some believe he will be a fourth-line winger, replacing Nathan Bastian. With 24-year-old Arseniy Gritsyuk transitioning to North America, could the Devils coaching staff put the young Russian with Dadonov to start the season?
The biggest question is if Dadonov and his 20 goals get a shot at top-line minutes alongside Jack Hughes?
In his three seasons with the Devils, Ondrej Palat has only reached the 15-goal mark, despite spending the majority of his career in New Jersey on the wing of Hughes. Fitzgerald knows he needs another top-six player, but if no further moves are made between now and training camp, is it worth it to get Dadonov a trial run with Hughes and Bratt?
These are questions Keefe and his staff will eventually answer. The good news for Dadonov is that he will have a role with the Devils. It is simply figuring out where that will be in the lineup.
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