Here's a recap of the latest Devils' news and notes from the past two weeks.

NEWARK, N.J. -- The New Jersey Devils have undergone some changes over the past couple of weeks. Players were re-signed, and others left for a new opportunity. Through it all, the organization appears to be in a better position now than they were when their season came to an end on May 11. 

Let's look at the biggest headlines of the past two weeks.

New Jersey Devils Headlines

- Kevin Bahl, 23, received a qualifying offer from the Devils on June 30. The 6-foot-6 defenseman appeared in a career-high 42 games last season. During his June 28 media availability, Fitzgerald said that he and his staff believe Bahl can replace Graves, who left in free agency. 

- Nathan Bastian and Michael McLeod go way back. The "Super Buddies" were part of the Mississauga Steelheads 2014-15 roster and, throughout their professional career, have been teammates more than not. With that in mind, it is fitting that the restricted free agents re-signed with the Devils and held their media availability together. 

- New Jersey will hold its development camp July 10-14 at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House at Prudential Center. On Wednesday, July 12, the team will host a 3-on-3 competition at 5:30 p.m. with an autograph session to follow for Black and Red season ticket members. Friday, July 14, will feature a Team Red vs. Team White scrimmage at 10 a.m. that will be live-streamed on the Devils' official website.

Former Devils Find New Homes 

-Defenseman Ryan Graves signed a six-year, $27 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1, 2023. This marks the 28-year-old's third NHL team and reunites him with former Devil Ty Smith in Pittsburgh's organization. 

"He's one of the younger players in free agency and obviously played a massive role in New Jersey. (He) faced very difficult matchups there. I've had a chance to see him there and then also in Colorado. Very impressed with him, and I think he compliments what we have on our right side very well." - Penguins GM Kyle Dubas. 

- On the first day of free agency, Miles Wood committed to playing for the Colorado Avalanche for the next six seasons. The 27-year-old appeared in 402 games for New Jersey and accumulated 148 points. 

"From the start, Colorado was always a team that I would love to play for. I love the mountains, I'm an outdoor guy, and whenever we'd go out to play them, it was such a great spot." - Miles Wood.

- Fitzgerald traded goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to the San Jose Sharks ahead of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft. This was a move that benefited both sides and allows the 26-year-old to rediscover his game in a low-pressure environment. 

"I'm very thankful for the time I've had there. I have great memories and good teammates and obviously met a lot of great people, so nothing but positives. There were unfortunate injuries and stuff like that, and it's just the way it goes sometimes. But I was definitely thankful for the years that I had there." - Mackenzie Blackwood.

- In addition to signing Graves, the Penguins announced the signing of Andreas Johnsson and Will Butcher. In February, Johnsson was part of New Jersey's trade package for Timo Meier and signed with Pittsburgh as a free agent. The move reunites the forward with Dubas, who served as Johnsson's GM in Toronto. Butcher spent last season in the American Hockey League (AHL) playing for the Texas Stars. In 65 games, he registered 43 points.

Around the Metropolitan Division

- It appears New Jersey isn't the only team becoming a destination in the league. Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell spoke to the media about his team's evolution: "We used to chase players, have to overpay players, but we’ve now become a destination place. We’re getting those calls first, as some teams do, and it’s nice to be in that position to have an opportunity to make your team better." Ryan Henkel has the story.  

- The Metropolitan Division keeps getting stronger. The Columbus Blue Jackets signed Luke Hughes' former teammate Adam Fantilli to an entry-level contract. My colleague, Jason Newland, has the latest news surrounding Fantilli.  

- Former Devils forward Zach Parise is the recipient of the 2022-23 Bob Nystrom Award. It is his second consecutive season taking home the honors for his leadership, hustle, and dedication. It is unclear if New Jersey's former captain will play another season, but Stefen Rosner will have the latest surrounding Parise and the New York Islanders. 

- The New York Rangers signed two veteran players during free agency, including Blake Wheeler and former Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Quick. Jonny Lazarus has all the latest news surrounding New Jersey's biggest rival. 

- Are the Pittsburgh Penguins the most improved team in the Metropolitan Division? GM Dubas has certainly been busy, and Nick Horwat weighs in and breaks down the Penguins' offseason so far.