The 2026 free-agent class isn't particularly desirable for retooling the New Jersey Devils. There isn't an obvious candidate that General Manager Sunny Mehta needs to push for. However, several options could be low-risk, high-reward when it comes to scoring depth. Three in particular would bring a different dynamic.
1. Viktor Arvidsson
Viktor Arvidsson is coming off one of his best seasons in the league. He potted 25 goals while finishing with 54 points with the Boston Bruins. He's a guy who brings speed, which would be a welcome addition to a Devils team that wants to play more to that strength. The Athletic pointed to Arvidsson as someone New Jersey should go after because it's a strong fit.
AFP Analytics projects Arvidsson's next contract to be a two-year pact at just under $5 million. The good news is that with the salary cap going up, a deal like that looks more like a steal than anything else. This is with the belief that Arvidsson can keep up his recent play despite his being 33 years of age. He could fit both as a 3rd-line guy that can bring extra scoring, but also could be on your club's special teams, turning defense into offense.
2. Patrick Kane
The greatest scorer in USA Hockey history is a free agent this summer. Despite his age (37), Patrick Kane is still a threat offensively. In 67 games played this past year for the Detroit Red Wings, Kane put up 16 goals and 57 points. In a full 82-game campaign, Kane would have scored 20-plus goals for the 17th time in his Hall of Fame career.
Kane and the Wings do have a mutual interest in continuing their relationship. However, if he does hit the market, Mehta should look to him as a guy that could fit alongside Jack Hughes if they can't find a higher top-six winger. He's projected to make just $3.3 million on a one-year deal. Kane would absolutely be a low-risk guy who could give the Devils a scoring punch they need.
3. Patrik Laine
This is the most intriguing one. Patrik Laine has scoring talent. The problem for him is that he has not been able to stay healthy. This includes this season, as he has been out since October 16, 2025, when he sustained a core muscle injury.
All signs point to Laine and the Montreal Canadiens parting ways this offseason. That could be beneficial for the Devils. Despite his numbers this season, Laine has proven to be a top-flight goal scorer with 224 goals and 422 points in his career. There are two reasons he makes a lot of sense for New Jersey.
Patrik Laine doing what he does best as he WIRES a one-timer past Leevi Meriläinen 🚨 pic.twitter.com/DiernhYJab
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 1, 2025
The first is that he's only 28 and can still score at a pretty high level. With Hughes' ability to find guys all over the ice, feeding it to Laine could produce some major offensive numbers for the duo. The second is the cost. He's projected to make just under $900k on a one-year prove-it deal. That is an absolute bargain for anyone, including Mehta's Devils.
The Devils could look to buy low in free agency while they figure out how to create more cap space for bigger moves. These guys could end up being much-needed depth that could help New Jersey finally take that next step towards Stanley Cup contention.
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