Skip to main content
Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

New Jersey Devils should be out on the top NHL free agent on the market this season

The New Jersey Devils have a serious need in the top six, and the top free agent would fill that need, but the risks of the contract outweigh the value
ByNick Villano|
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) waits for the face-off during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) waits for the face-off during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images | Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

The New Jersey Devils have a lot of needs and a long to-do list this offseason, but their top priority has been their priority for a long time. The Devils have tried so many different players in the top six next to Jack Hughes and Timo Meier. Seven players played at least 40 minutes with Jack Hughes last season. 

For years, coaches tried to make players work with Hughes with varied results. Some were surprising, like the chemistry we saw between Hughes and Tyler Toffoli in 2023-24. Others went about how we expected, like Ondrej Palat’s constant repurposing as a member of the top six. 

This offseason, the Devils will once again look to upgrade the top six. There are dozens of players who have been mentioned in rumors as potential fits for the Devils, via trades and free agency. One player who isn’t the right fit is Alex Tuch.

Alex Tuch is not the right fit for the New Jersey Devils in NHL Free Agency

Right now, the Buffalo Sabres are trying to re-sign Tuch after they wildly outpaced expectations. Tuch scored 33 goals this season and added 33 assists. Unfortunately, he had a terrible series against the Montreal Canadiens, and his free agency outlook has taken a hit.

Tuch is expected to cash out this summer. He’s considered the top prize in NHL Free Agency. To be fair, it’s a pretty weak class, but because of that, he’s expected to make north of $10 million per season. 

Frankly, he’s only worth that in the right situation. In Buffalo, he might be worth $10 million on this team. For the Devils, he’s not worth $10 million.

For one, he’s 30 years old. The Devils cannot be spending that kind of money for a player who is entering the wrong side of his prime. Tuch finally hit his peak in the past two years, hitting on back-to-back 30+ goal seasons, but this clearly looks like his ceiling. 

On paper, Devils fans might want Tuch to pair with Hughes, but there are more fiscally intelligent moves to make. It might seem like a rough market this season, but the Devils have intriguing assets that will open eyes across the league. Sunny Mehta doesn’t need to break the bank in his first year as the Devils' GM just to get the top free agent. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Home/Free Agency