After Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the New Jersey Devils’ needs became more obvious than ever. Despite a solid season under new head coach Sheldon Keefe, New Jersey still lacks enough depth, playoff-ready forwards, and veteran stability in the lineup. It’s increasingly clear that the team would benefit from adding highly skilled wingers like Lenni Hämeenaho and Arseni Gritsyuk, as well as a dependable veteran center who can win critical faceoffs.
Keefe deserves credit for what he extracted from this group. He helped reshape the team’s structure and work ethic. But squeezing potential only goes so far — now it’s time to supplement this young core with complementary pieces who bring consistency, grit, and maturity. If New Jersey is serious about being a true contender, the next few offseasons must be about balance, identity, and supporting the talent already in place.
2024 Was the Reset. The Future Is Now.
The 2023–24 season was a step back after a breakout the year before. It allowed the organization to reassess, install a new coaching philosophy, and better evaluate its young pieces. With players like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Luke Hughes already locked into key roles, the Devils don’t need a complete overhaul. What they need is structure around that core — especially in the bottom six and on defense.
Luke Hughes, a cornerstone piece of the blueline, will soon require a new contract. And the timing of that negotiation may overlap with an even bigger storyline: a potential family reunion in New Jersey that could involve his older brother, Quinn Hughes.
Jim Rutherford’s Slip — Tampering or Truth?
During the Vancouver Canucks’ locker cleanout media session, GM Jim Rutherford made a curious and possibly costly comment. He said Quinn Hughes wasn’t focused on money, but “being with his brothers” could eventually play a big role in his future.
On the surface, this may seem like an innocent statement. But in the NHL, this kind of comment can fall into the realm of tampering, which could lead to penalties or compensatory draft picks going to the Devils. The league has dealt with similar situations before, and depending on how serious the league deems the comment, Tom Fitzgerald might benefit.
Quinn Hughes: Trade Now or Sign Later?
There’s already chatter among fans and insiders about whether New Jersey should trade for Quinn Hughes now or wait until his contract nears expiration. The smarter route might be patience. Quinn’s deal runs through 2027 at $7.85 million annually. If the Devils wait, they could acquire him in free agency — for cash alone, rather than sacrificing prospects or draft capital.
By then, Brenden Dillon could be off the books, and 2024 first-rounder Anton Silayev might be on his entry-level contract. That cap flexibility would allow New Jersey to build around the Hughes brothers without overcommitting too early.
With Hämeenaho and Gritsyuk potentially joining soon, and Quinn Hughes looming as a long-term possibility, the Devils’ future could be elite. If Fitzgerald adds the right kind of toughness down the middle, New Jersey might finally have the blend of speed, skill, and sandpaper required to win it all.
The Devils’ time is coming. And with the right moves, it could come sooner than anyone expects.