The 2025 NHL off-season is certainly an important one for the New Jersey Devils. They are looking to take that next step and blossom into true contenders, so it should be a very busy summer in New Jersey.
Due to this, let's go over three big moves that the Devils must make this summer.
Devils Must Sign Luke Hughes To New Contract
Priority No. 1 for the Devils this off-season will, of course, be to re-sign restricted free agent Luke Hughes. The 21-year-old's entry-level contract is over, and the young blueliner is undoubtedly due for a nice raise from his $925,000 AAV.
Hughes is a huge part of the Devils' future, so getting him signed to his next contract is a major task for New Jersey. In 71 games this season, Hughes posted seven goals and 44 points.
Devils Must Sign Top-Six Winger
The Devils should work very hard to bring in a top-six winger this off-season. It is apparent that they did not get enough scoring this campaign, so bringing in an impactful winger should be one of their biggest goals of the summer.
There are several notable pending UFA wingers who can hit the market on July 1, including Brock Boeser, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Brad Marchand. Mitch Marner is also a pending UFA, but he may be too expensive for the Devils to consider him as a realistic option.
Devils Must Bring In Third-Line Center
Another notable need that the Devils have is adding a third-line center. Erik Haula struggled at the 3C spot this season, and their other depth options did not work in the role, either. Thus, it would be good for the Devils to bring in a new third-line center.
Pending UFAs like Pius Suter, Yanni Gourde, and Jack Roslovic are interesting options the Devils could consider targeting.
Recent Devils News
Devils Should Boost Bottom-Six By Signing Hurricanes Forward
Ex-Devils First-Round Pick Lands Extension With New Team
Former Devils Forward Signs Extension With New Team
Devils Have 2 Potential Off-Season Targets From Canadiens
Devils Forward Named As Offseason Trade Candidate
Photo Credit: © Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images