The New Jersey Devils have holes on the roster that needs filled. Despite trading for Nick Bjugstad last season, they still could use center depth. They have seven defensemen on the roster, but many believe expected trades will lead to a need there. If they somehow get out of the Jacob Markstrom contract extension, an upgrade is needed there. And of course, they still need another top-six winger.
Most years, there would at least be a hope and a dream to address some of this in free agency. This season, that’s not the case.
In Sunny Mehta’s first year, the free agency class is pretty terrible. Just look at the unrestricted free agents on the Devils. It’s Evgenii Dadonov and Zack MacEwen (who they should re-sign) at forward, and Dennis Cholowski on defense. That’s it.Â
When looking at the best free agents of this class, it gets ugly quick. Alex Tuch is everyone’s top player, but he’s about to get the craziest contract in the sport. After him, it’s Anthony Mantha, who has been maddeningly inconsistent in his career, and 39-year-old Evgeni Malkin. 38-year-old Mats Zuccarello and 37-year-old Patrick Kane are still in the top 10 on most analysts’ rankings.Â
Some of the most interesting names the Devils could be in on are Bobby McMann, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Mason Marchment, but when asked which free agent makes sense for every team, The Athletic went off the board for the Devils.
There are just over six weeks until NHL free agency opens on July 1.
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) May 16, 2026
Although the free-agent class is short on big names, there are plenty of quality players eligible to hit the open market. pic.twitter.com/6WrTu4r3wQ
Realistically, this isn't a signing many had pegged for the Devils. The Athletic's explanation doesn't even give much confidence behind the pick.
"The Devils need to improve their forward depth, and Arvidsson is the type of player who could fit well. He might command more than New Jersey is willing to offer, but the Devils will likely be looking at forwards to round out their group, and Arvidsson fits the bill."Peter Baugh, The Athletic
Talking about how the Devils might not even be willing to pay Arvidsson is interesting since he fell to 18th on The Athletic's UFA Big Board. However, a solid season after joining the Boston Bruins could get him a solid contract. That would especially be true if other teams get into a bidding war for his services.
The New Jersey Devils aren't the only team targeting Viktor Arvidsson
And that’s what The Athletic predicts, as the team down on Long Island is expected to find him a fit, as well. He’s believed to be a perfect fit for the New York Islanders, as well.
Both the Devils and Islanders finished the season disappointed, but it was for very different reasons. After playing so well for most of the season and staying in a playoff spot for months, the Islanders fell off a cliff down the stretch and missed a postseason appearance. Still, they are building around Matthew Schaefer and looking to compete long term.
With both teams looking to upgrade the offense, Ardvisson makes sense at the right price. The issue is that with such a weak class, teams will ignore his inconsistency and pay him as a 25-goal scorer. He should be that player in the right system, but we only know the right system is the one the Bruins are running right now.
His skill set makes some sense for the Devils, with one of the hardest shots in the league. His 94 MPH shot peak is in the 97th percentile of the league according to NHL EDGE statistics. The Devils have had weaker shots for a few years since Dougie Hamilton’s injuries have taken some wind out of his sails, and they could use a forward who could rip it.Â
If the Devils can get Arvidsson for a reasonable price, then great, make it happen Sunny. There are some scary aspects to his game that do bring questions, but that’s the case with every free agent this season.
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