The New Jersey Devils are looking to change things up for next season. As Devils President and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has stated, the group will be different because it was just not good enough.
The Devils have already cleared salary cap space by trading Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators. This opens up about $14.4 million in cap space. However, before the Devils can undertake any significant roster reconstruction, they need to determine the value of that Luke Hughes number.
Devils Offseason: What Will New Jersey Do on Defense?
Tom Fitzgerald has a lot of holes to fill again this offseason as he looks to get depth scoring, a goal scorer, a goaltender, and an upgrade on defense. Again, Fitzgerald does not want to come back with the same group, so the Devils have more work to do with the salary cap.
Is Dougie Hamilton on the Move?
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts Podcast: “One thing to mention about New Jersey, Dougie Hamilton‘s full no-move becomes a 10-team list where he can be traded to on July 1, I think people are very curious to hear what New Jersey is going to do with that.”
NHL Rumors: New Jersey Devils Backup Goalie Jake Allen is a Wanted Man
DevilsNation.com Note: The Devils continued to be linked to the Vancouver Canucks and defenseman Quinn Hughes. Remember Canucks President Jim Rutherford said that Quinn wants to play with his brothers. The dollars make sense as Hamilton has three years at $9 million and Quinn Hughes has two years left at $7.850 million. Quinn Hughes does not have trade protection. But this comes down to whether Hamilton has to waive to go to Vancouver.
In addition to Hamilton’s 10 team no trade Palat has one as well on July 1st along with a NMC
But the Devils would need a defenseman in return if you are moving Hamilton. The right side would take step back.
Remember Kovacevic won’t be ready to go. Nemec/Casey slot in. Does… https://t.co/vqmuN3U7su
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) June 27, 2025
While the Devils need cap space, there have been no indications that the Devils want to move Dougie Hamilton. Friedman does not mention a name for no reason, but if the Devils move him, a defenseman on the right side has to come back in the deal. With Johnathan Kovacevic missing the beginning of the season, that means it would be Brett Pesce, followed by Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey on the right side. That is not an ideal situation for a team that hopes to return to the playoffs again.
