On the opening day of free agency, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald signed two forwards: Connor Brown (31) and Evgenii Dadonov (36).
When speaking with reporters, Fitzgerald shared that he wanted to add to the middle of his lineup and players who could contribute at 5-on-5.
On Monday night, The Hockey News spoke to Devils winger Stefan Noesen, who immediately acknowledged that Brown, whose nickname is Brownie, improves the forward group.
"Brownie can provide some more depth to our lineup," he said. "With back-to-back Stanley Cup appearances and him winning in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League), the experience he provides is awesome and will better our team.
"He is a hard worker, and I am pumped to finally play with him."
When speaking with reporters, Fitzgerald noted Brown's speed and ability to kill penalties, stating, "He is a guy that (head coach Sheldon Keefe) will use at the end of games as well, kind of like a Swiss jackknife."
The right winger recently played for the Edmonton Oilers and has 20 points in 59 postseason games. Brown began his career with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs before he signed as a free agent with the Oilers in July 2023.
A few hours later, the Devils announced the signing of another winger, Dadonov, whose nickname is Dads or Daddy.
“We were trying to fit pieces into the puzzle," Fitzgerald said on Tuesday. "It just made so much sense on a performance-based contract where he could fit in and earn some more money. Another guy that gives us flexibility, versatility throughout the lineup.”
The 5-foot-11 Russian will have familiarity with at least one of his new teammates as he and Noesen train together during the summer.
"Dads is a great guy and his experience in the league is going to help us," Noesen said. "I train with him in Dallas and his skills and hockey IQ are what stands out to me the most."
Brown and Dadonov will look to stabilize the Devils' middle to bottom-six as the club looks to rebound from their Round 1 loss in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Regarding any other potential moves New Jersey could make, Fitzgerald reiterated that his next priority is signing defenseman Luke Hughes, who is a restricted free agent. What he does with the youngster will determine what else he could possibly do.
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