New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/jonas-siegenthaler-proves-valuable-piece-of-devils-blue-line] general manager Tom Fitzgerald made it clear during his end-of-season media availability that he would not be coming back with the same group of players for the 2025-26 season. Pieces began to fall with Tomas Tatar [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/nj-devils-new-jersey-devils-washington-capitals-tomas-tatar-sheldon-keefe-brenden-dillon] opting to take his game overseas, signing a two-year contract in Switzerland with EV Zug of the Swiss National League. With free agency a couple of weeks away, it appears another depth forward will not return to New Jersey. Justin Dowling's agent, Allain Roy of RSG Hockey, LLC, told The Hockey News his client is preparing to hit free agency and "will likely not return" to the Devils organization. The 34-year-old did not make the Devils roster out of training camp and played seven games with the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL) before being called up to replace Curtis Lazar [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jeresy-devils-q-a-5-questions-with-curtis-lazar], who suffered a knee injury in October. Dowling remained in New Jersey for the rest of the season, appearing in 52 games. His play earned him praise from his head coach, Sheldon Keefe. So much so that he chose to play him over Lazar, who was available during the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In addition to the Devils, the Alberta native has previously played for the Dallas Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars]and Vancouver Canucks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks]. At the NHL level, he has played 152 games and has 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists). He additionally appeared in 573 AHL games and collected 408 points. NHL free agency will officially open on July 1, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET. The Devils have five unrestricted free agents in addition to Dowling: Lazar, Nathan Bastian, Daniel Sprong, Brian Dumoulin, and Jake Allen. Luke Hughes, Cody Glass, and Nolan Foote make up New Jersey's restricted free agents. Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/] for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-jesper-bratt-alexander-holtz-nico-hischier-andy-sward] Hischier's Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He's Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/features/hischiers-manager-patrick-fischer-hes-driven-to-succeed-but-not-easily-satisfied]
