The New Jersey Devils are quickly approaching the halfway point of the 2024-25 NHL season. The team is exactly where it needs to be, as mentioned on the Locked On Devils podcast with fellow Pucks and Pitchforks writer Trey Matthews. During a recent press conference, one of the key points Tom Fitzgerald emphasized was that it’s not just the coaching staff that holds this team accountable but the players themselves who enforce accountability on a day-to-day basis.
This camaraderie has become a significant part of the team’s DNA and has helped them develop an identity as a team that is tough to play against. A notable statistic from the first three months of the season is that the Devils won between 60% to 75% of their games during October through December.
The defensive core, led by Brenden Dillon, Brett Pesce, and Jonathan Kovacevic, has significantly improved in the hits and blocked shots categories. The Devils’ recent performances against the Rangers and the Blackhawks are strong indicators of consistency.
The New Jersey Devils are exactly where they should be as they approach the midway point of the season
Consistency was especially evident when the Devils defeated a division rival featuring Igor Shesterkin, arguably the best goalie in the NHL. In that game, the Devils were shorthanded, but players like Brett Pesce stepped up and “Swiss Guarded” in front of Jacob Markstrom, who is now considered one of the best European goalies in the league.
In a previous article, the Total Sasquatch Score—a combination of analytics and the eye test that includes hits, blocks, points, and takeaways per game—gained more mainstream attention. Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Luke Hughes have all notably improved their takeaway numbers.
What this means is that in games where the Devils generate more offensive breakouts, they are able to dominate high-danger zones and create chances in the slot.
Under Sheldon Keefe and Ryan McGill, the Devils’ defensive tactics have improved dramatically. Offensively, the team has thrived under Jeremy Colliton’s system, but a possible trade for Dylan Cozens could make the Devils even more dynamic in the top 9 forward group. Cozens, one of Buffalo’s best face-off players, has the potential to score between 13 to 31 goals per season. Over the past three seasons, he has consistently posted 38 to 68 points when playing a full schedule.
To be clear, the Devils don’t need to make major moves ahead of the trade deadline this year. However, adding a player with two-way abilities, strong shooting, and face-off skills could provide an additional edge.
If the Devils want to play it safe with goaltending, they could look at the Utah Hockey Club. Tom Fitzgerald has also made it clear that he wants to extend Luke Hughes and Jonathan Kovacevic. With the salary cap potentially increasing by 5%, the Devils will have more financial flexibility heading into the offseason.
At this point, with teams like the Rangers and Islanders beginning to slip in the standings, the Devils have a little more breathing room. The Metropolitan Division is starting to show some separation, whereas in the Western Conference, the Central Division and Pacific Division remain extremely competitive. For now, the Devils are playing it safe, looking for the right additions that would serve as near- and long-term investments to ensure sustainable playoff success.
There are, however, concerns regarding the Utica Comets (AHL) and the Adirondack Thunder (ECHL) affiliates, as their underperformance may hinder player development. This offseason, Dan MacKinnon, the AGM of the Utica Comets, and Tom Fitzgerald, the GM of the New Jersey Devils, will need to hire stronger coaches capable of maximizing the potential of their farm system.
Don’t expect too many trades at this year’s deadline. If there’s one player the Devils might consider moving, it’s Dawson Mercer, who has underperformed in terms of points and is on pace to fall short of last year’s averages.
Names to watch for include Dylan Cozens and Connor Clifton, who could add offense, defensive stability, and physicality to the Devils’ lineup. If Buffalo agrees to retain half of Cozens’ salary, the trade could become feasible. Meanwhile, Connor Clifton could bring the hard-hitting presence the Devils need for the playoffs and beyond.
The Devils will need to extend Jonathan Kovacevic, as he's an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Luke Hughes must also be locked in long-term, potentially through 2033, at a salary of $5.75M to $8M per season. Finally, the Devils will need to plan for Jack Hughes’ contract extension, which is due in the 2030 offseason, per PuckPedia.