The New Jersey Devils won’t be sticking with the status quo heading into next season. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit, general manager Tom Fitzgerald has made it clear: changes are on the horizon.
Potential Changes on the Horizon for the Devils
“We won’t be coming back with the same group,” Fitzgerald told reporters on Thursday. “Because it was just not good enough.”
The Devils ended their season with 91 points, finishing third in the Metropolitan Division. But hopes of a deep playoff run quickly unraveled in the first round against the Carolina Hurricanes. Injuries were a factor, yes — but they weren’t the only problem. Fitzgerald believes some players simply didn’t rise to the occasion.
“Players underachieved,” he said. “Guys who had provided depth scoring before didn’t deliver this time.”
Now, as the front office shifts focus to the offseason, Fitzgerald faces a roster full of decisions. Some players could return. Others, he hinted, might be moved.
“I like our group, my job is to continue to better the group,” he said. “And we’ve got a lot of decision to make on certain players, bringing guys back, trade players…”
Fitzgerald, who signed a contract extension in 2024, is entering his sixth year as GM. The pressure is on. The goal is clear: get the Devils back into contention, not just for the playoffs, but for the Cup.
Devils Looking to Reset Roster After Tough Playoff Loss
Many of the team’s key players are locked in for next season, but there’s a long list of names set to hit the market. Tomas Tatar, Curtis Lazar, Daniel Sprong, Nathan Bastian, and Justin Dowling will all become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Defensemen Brian Dumoulin and Dennis Cholowski, along with goaltender Jake Allen, are also heading toward free agency.
The team will also need to make decisions on a few restricted free agents, including Cody Glass, Nolan Foote, and young blueliner Luke Hughes.
While Fitzgerald didn’t reveal who might be traded or re-signed, he emphasized that every option is being considered. The team wants to start the next season stronger, healthier, and more complete. After all, the goal is progress — not just making it to the playoffs, but making it count.
There were bright spots. Jesper Bratt led the Devils in scoring with 88 points, while Nico Hischier set a new career-high with 35 goals. Between the pipes, Jacob Markstrom brought stability, finishing his first season in New Jersey with solid numbers: 26 wins, four shutouts, and a 2.50 GAA.
Still, the season ended too soon.
New Jersey entered 2024-25 with momentum and expectations. A mix of emerging talent and smart additions gave fans hope. But with a rocky stretch and an early playoff exit, the team knows it must regroup.
This offseason will be about more than minor tweaks. It’s a chance to retool, refocus, and return with a roster built to win. Fitzgerald’s message is simple: the Devils aren’t far off, but they’re not there yet — and standing still won’t get them any closer.