In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive into the offseason changes, roster dynamics, and forward outlook for the New Jersey Devils, a team that finished third in the Metropolitan Division with 91 points and was bounced in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes.

With playoff experience under their belt but key players returning from injury, the Devils are looking to take another step in 2025–26. But after a relatively quiet summer, the question is: Did they do enough to take that step?

Notable acquisitions include Connor Brown from Edmonton and Evgenii Dadonov from Dallas, both projected to solidify the bottom six. The club also re-signed center Cody Glass and goaltender Jake Allen—a move the hosts view as crucial, not just on the ice, but in the locker room. Meanwhile, defenseman Jeremy Hanzel was brought in via trade from Nashville in a surprising deal that sent Erik Haula the other way.

With Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton back to full health, and Jacob Markstrom now in net, New Jersey could be ready to climb—but concerns remain about veteran production and playoff identity.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Devils recap: Another early exit

[00:38] Offseason moves: Understated but strategic

[01:00] Acquisitions: Brown, Dadonov, Hanzel, Riley Stillman

[01:45] Departures: Haula, Lazar, Dulan, Bastian

[02:15] Re-signings: Cody Glass, Jake Allen

[02:45] Top-six review: Bratt, Hughes, Heischer, Meier, Palat

[04:00] The need for more from Palat and Meier

[05:00] Defense pairings: Hamilton/Dillon, Hughes/Pesce

[05:45] Jeremy Hanzel arrives… but where’s Gretel?

[06:00] Final verdict: Respect earned, but is it enough to contend?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton returning to full health will be vital to any Devils playoff success.

The additions of Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov boost the bottom six, but this is still a top-heavy offense dependent on Bratt, Hughes, Heischer, and Meier.

Ondrej Palat’s offensive output has yet to match expectations from his Lightning days, while Timo Meier still hasn’t become a 30–35 goal scorer in New Jersey.

On defense, Brendan Dillon’s arrival should provide physical protection and pair chemistry for Dougie Hamilton, while Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce round out a promising top four.

The goalie tandem of Markstrom and Allen might finally give the Devils the playoff stability in net they’ve long needed.

With a healthy roster, New Jersey is expected to battle Carolina for the top of the Metro—if the pieces click.

RESOURCE LINKS:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

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