The 2025 free agency period is still underway, but the New Jersey Devils have already been active in reshaping their roster. They opened by signing Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, and more recently added Jake Allen, Thomas Bordeleau, and Cody Glass.
For now, general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s top priority is locking up defenseman Luke Hughes, with a contract extension expected to be announced soon.
Looking ahead, though, six Devils players will see their contracts expire after the 2025–26 season. Here’s a breakdown of what could be on the table next summer:
Evgenii Dadonov – Unrestricted Free Agent
Dadonov signed a one-year deal with New Jersey. Whether he returns will depend entirely on his production and fit in the lineup this season.
Juho Lammikko – Unrestricted Free Agent
The 29-year-old forward has 159 NHL games under his belt, with 26 career points, but hasn’t played in the league since 2021–22 with Vancouver. He signed a one-year deal with the Devils this offseason and has yet to appear in a game for them. Until he proves himself in New Jersey, there’s little reason to expect a long-term future here.
Paul Cotter – Restricted Free Agent
Cotter played 79 games for New Jersey in 2024–25, recording 22 points in his fourth NHL season. He was suspended on April 14 for an illegal check to the head, and his play leading up to that was inconsistent, dropping to the fourth line and struggling offensively. While Fitzgerald has downplayed concerns, Cotter’s scoring dip will factor into extension talks.
Thomas Bordeleau – Restricted Free Agent
Acquired from San Jose in July 2025, Bordeleau signed a one-year, two-way deal on July 24. Entering his fifth pro season, the 5’10” center has shown speed and versatility but has yet to establish himself as a full-time NHLer. His AHL numbers have been solid but not standout, and his NHL time has been limited to short stints of about 11 games per year. A strong season in New Jersey’s bottom six could secure him a longer stay.
Simon Nemec – Restricted Free Agent
The second overall pick in 2022, Nemec is considered a cornerstone defenseman. At 21, he has shown steady development since arriving from Slovakia’s pro league. While New Jersey is expected to re-sign him, rumors have surfaced suggesting he’s unhappy with his role and relationship with head coach Sheldon Keefe. If tensions persist, a trade request isn’t impossible. If resolved, Nemec could grow into a long-term partner for Luke Hughes on the blue line.
Jacob Markstrom – Unrestricted Free Agent
The 35-year-old goaltender became eligible for an extension on July 1, 2025. Markstrom remains a reliable starter, and the Devils may look to extend him before the 2026 free agency period. If they move on, the organization has internal options: Nico Daws, likely spending most of the year in the AHL but a proven call-up, and Mikhail Yegorov, a promising prospect entering his second season at Boston University.
There’s no urgency to extend Markstrom immediately, but keeping him around would provide stability in net for another run.