The NHL free agency period began just six days ago and the NJ Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils] have made several moves to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. Although they are far from finished, here is a recap of the moves that have been made so far and what fans can look forward to moving forward. Top Three Moves: 1. Jake Allen - 5 x $1.8M AAV The Devils' biggest move of free agency was re-signing goaltender Jake Allen to a five-year deal worth $1.8M annually. This came as a shock to many, especially since the 34-year-old goalie seemingly was looking for a larger deal elsewhere. This was a great signing for the Devils. Allen contributed to the team's success last season, playing 24 games. He recorded 11 wins and had a .904 save percentage. For a veteran goalie, Allen’s salary will not consume much of the Devils' cap space. He is one of the most affordable veterans in the league, and having him on the roster for the next five years will also open the door for mentoring roles. In a weak goalie market, signing a top free agent for less than $2 million a year is a major move for the Devils. "Two years ago at the deadline, I called him up before we traded for him to convince him to come here," Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald noted, "I said, 'You will be very surprised how happy you will be here. We’re building a good team.' He reminded me of that conversation yesterday, so it was nice." 2. Connor Brown - 4 x 12 M The Devils’ next major free agency move was signing Connor Brown to a 4-year $12 million contract. The 31-year-old has played 10 years in the NHL, coming off a successful season with the Edmonton Oilers. The right winger is fast and defensively responsible, and will be a strong addition to the Devils' bottom six. Brown is also known for being strong on the penalty kill. He averages 31 points per season and brings valuable playoff experience to New Jersey. “Connor Brown’s a guy who can move around your lineup. He gives you speed, a fantastic penalty killer,” general manager Tom Fitzgerald said, “he’s a guy that Sheldon will use at the end of games as well. Kind of like a Swiss (Army Knife). I’m sure he had offers to go somewhere else. It’s nice when you get handpicked and you can start a conversation, and you sense the excitement of a player, not even knowing about New Jersey other than knowing we have a good team, but wanting to be here.” 3. Evgenii Dadonov - 1 year X 1M The Devils also signed veteran winger Evgenii Dadonov to a one-year, $1 million deal. Known for his offensive instincts and quickness, Dadonov has five 20+ goal seasons under his belt and brings valuable leadership to the bottom six. "I try to be an all-around player. Help offensively and help defensively," Dadonov said. "Playing hard and not cheating is the most important thing for me." Other moves: From Utica/AHL and front-office depth moves: 1. Angus Crookshank Age: 25 Position: Winger Contract: Two‑year deal, $775,000 at the NHL level and $425,000 ($475,000 guaranteed) at the American Hockey League (AHL) level; 2. Calen Addison Age: 25 Position: Defenseman Contract: One‑year two‑way contract, worth $775,000 at the NHL level and $325,000 ($400,000 guaranteed) at the American Hockey League (AHL) level. 3. Dennis Cholowski Age: 27 Position: Defenseman Contract: one‑year re-signing, $775,000 contract Re-signed: * Marc McLaughlin (forward), one-year, two-way deal Coming Up: Luke Hughes was tendered a qualifying offer, but the Devils' general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, said on multiple occasions he has plans to sign him to a long-term deal. Fitzgerald also said he spoke with Hughes’ agent and a deal would be made soon. Hughes, the fourth pick in the 2021 draft, is eager to join the Devils organization in a more permanent role. He'll join his brother Jack, who is currently on an 8-year $64 million contract with the team. Overall: The Devils are not done yet, but their early free agency signings show a focus on experience, flexibility, and cost-effective upgrades - especially in areas of goaltending depth and bottom-six stability. With more moves potentially on the horizon and a new deal for Luke Hughes in the works, the Devils are positioning themselves as serious contenders for the upcoming season. Photo: © James Guillory [https://imagn.com/searchByPhotographerId/James%20Guillory] - Imagn Images
