The New Jersey Devils' season has officially come to an end. The Devils lost their Game 5 matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes in double overtime by a 5-4 final score, and now a big off-season awaits for New Jersey.
The Devils have plenty of decisions to make this summer as they look to take another step forward in 2025-26. They are entering the summer with several pending free agents, with one of the most notable being defenseman Brian Dumoulin.
Dumoulin, 33, was acquired by the Devils from the Seattle Kraken at the 2025 NHL trade deadline to provide them with more experienced defensive depth. Overall, the veteran blueliner proved to be a great fit, posting one goal and six points in 19 regular-season games. He was also very valuable for them during the playoffs, with several of their top defensemen injured. He played big minutes and handled it well. This included having 36:24 of ice time in Game 3 and 37:19 of ice time in Game 5.
Given how well Dumoulin fits into the Devils' system, the Metropolitan Division club should work hard to keep him around, rather than letting him leave in free agency. The 2009 second-round pick became a solid piece of the Devils' roster during their final stretch of the season and playoff run, so it would be nice if they come to terms on a new contract with him before July 1.
If the Devils re-signed Dumoulin, he would continue to be a very good defenseman for them who can move up and down the lineup. It will be interesting to see if they end up signing him to a new deal from here.
Recent Devils News
Ex-Devils Star Signs Extension With Hurricanes After First Round
Former <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> star Taylor Hall made things difficult for them in their first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 33-year-old forward had three points in five games against New Jersey in the first round, including a goal in the Hurricanes' series-clinching win in Game 5.
New Jersey Devils Defenseman Heading Overseas
<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> defenseman Santeri Hatakka is taking his talent overseas. HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) <a href="https://www.hv71.se/article/aknasvh-3iaijd/view">has announced</a> that they have signed the left-shot blueliner to a two-year contract for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
Former Devils Goalie Has Big Game For New Team
Earlier this season, former <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/">New Jersey Devils</a> goalie Mackenzie Blackwood was traded to the Colorado Avalanche by the San Jose Sharks. The move was understandable, as the Avalanche desperately needed help between the pipes, while the Sharks were willing to move Blackwood because of his then-pending unrestricted free agent status.