With training camp getting closer, we should start to see teams signing players to professional tryouts (PTOs). The New Jersey Devils could consider going down this route, as it is fair to argue that they could use more forward depth.
When looking at the unrestricted free agents (UFAs) left, Klim Kostin would be an interesting player for the Devils to take a chance on with a PTO.
Kostin, 26, became a UFA on July 1 after the San Jose Sharks elected not to tender him a qualifying offer. This was after the 6-foot-4 forward struggled this past season with San Jose, as he recorded just one goal and seven points in 35 games. While his offense was down in 2024-25, he certainly was noticeable when it came to his physicality, as he finished the year with 111 hits.
Kostin's physical style of play and ability to play multiple positions could give the Devils' bottom six a boost if he were to earn a contract for the season. He has also shown in the past that he can produce more offense when playing at his best. For example, just back during the 2022-23 season with the Edmonton Oilers, he set career highs with 11 goals, 10 assists, and 21 points in 57 games. Thus, he has bounce-back potential, which adds to his appeal.
Overall, with the Devils needing more forward depth, there would be no harm in them taking a chance on a former first-round pick like Kostin with a PTO. Let's see if they do just that.
Devils Forward Is Intriguing Bounce-Back Candidate
After getting back into the playoffs this past spring, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> will be looking to take another step forward in the right direction in 2025-26. For this to occur, they will need all of their key players to be at their highest levels, and this includes forward Ondrej Palat.