3. Patrick Kane
Current Team: Detroit Red Wings
Right now, the focus is on Jonathan Toews when it comes to former Chicago Blackhawks stars who could make an impact in 2025-26. Teams are looking to sign him after a few years on the shelf with long COVID. However, Patrick Kane is arguably the most impactful performer who is available this offseason.
Kane quietly had 59 points in 72 games this season. His 21 goals would track as one of the better free agents in the league in a strange market. Kane is 36 years old, and he will turn 37 early in the season, but he has shown age is just a number to a great hockey player.
The Devils would love his production, but there’s some baggage here. Kane is going to expect to get time with Hughes more likely than not. He will want to be with the top center, especially when it’s a next generation American center.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not the right move for the Devils at this time. There is also some name value that turns into contract value with Kane. The discounts that Kane gave Detroit are likely over after he spent two years without playoff hockey.
4. Tony DeAngelo
Current Team: New York Islanders
Certain players around the league earn their reputations. There is enough evidence to say they are dirty players or someone you should keep your star player from. In the case of Rangers forward Matt Rempe, that reputation is earned on the ice. Other players like Brad Marchand, Tom Wilson, and Ryan Reeves are also in this boat. Their on-ice reputation is earned and will lead to a suspension here and there.
Tony DeAngelo’s reputation comes from his off-ice antics. The talented offensive defenseman has a laundry list of issues that follow him from team to team. He seemed to be on his best behavior on Long Island, but there is way too much risk to pay him an actual NHL salary.
A team is going to pay him like a normal NHL player. His reputation won’t allow for a wild overpay, but the Devils have no reason to take this risk. They likely won’t go after a defenseman in free agency, anyway, but it’s worth mentioning that DeAngelo isn’t even worth a flier.
5. Tanner Jeannot
Current Team: Los Angeles Kings
Tanner Jeannot is going to intrigue so many general managers around the league. Julian Briesbois is so well respected around the league, and he sent a massive package to Nashville to get him a couple of years ago. He had to eat his losses and sent him to the Los Angeles Kings this season, but the fact that the Lightning were all in on this player has everyone’s radar going.
He’s also 28 years old, heading into free agency. This is an ideal age for players, showcasing their prime production so they can get paid well into their twilight. There’s a nonzero chance we’ve seen the best of Jeannot, and a team is still going to take the chance on him. He might get a downright scary contract in free agency.
The Devils are desperate to fix their bottom six, but they can’t be this desperate. Jeannot is going to make a salary that could warrant a guarantee in production. The Devils don’t have enough cap space to take a risk on a player like Jeannot. Unless, for some reason, he comes in at nearly $1 million, then it might be a move worth making. However, that seems nearly impossible.