Devils Bolster Depth wiht Brown and Dadonov Signings as Offseason Shakeup Continues
New Jersey inks veteran forwards connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, aiming to solidify bottom-six options and add experience ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.
The New Jersey Devils are actively shaping their roster for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season, which kicks off on October 7th. Following a 2024-25 campaign that saw them finish third in the Metropolitan Division with a 42-33-7 record and a first-round playoff exit, the team has made strategic moves to enhance its forward depth.
Key among these additions is veteran forward Connor Brown, who inked a four-year contract on July 1st.The 31-year-old brings a proven track record, having contributed 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 82 games for the Edmonton Oilers last season. Brown also added nine points (five goals, four assists) in 20 Stanley Cup Playoff contests, signaling his ability to perform under pressure.
Joining Brown is fellow forward Evgenii Dadonov. The 36-year-old signed a one-year deal on July 1st, expected to provide valuable depth to the Devils’ forward corps. Dadonov posted a solid 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) in 80 regular-season games with the Dallas Stars last year and chipped in with four points (one goal, three assists) in 16 playoff appearances.
Departures Signal Roster Evolution
The devils have also seen several key players depart as the team navigates its offseason strategy. Forward Erik Haula was traded to the Nashville Predators on June 18th in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Haula spent three seasons in New Jersey, amassing 97 points (41 goals, 56 assists), including 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in 69 games last season.
Defenseman Brian Dumoulin, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1st. Dumoulin joined the Devils via trade from the Anaheim ducks on March 6th, recording six points (one goal, five assists) in 19 games and leading the team in average ice time per game during the playoffs at 29:21.
Forward Tomas Tatar has signed a two-year contract with EV Zug of Switzerland’s National League. Tatar recorded 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 74 regular-season games for New Jersey last season and did not register any points in four playoff games.
Additionally, forward Curtis Lazar signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 2nd. Lazar contributed five points (two goals, three assists) in 48 regular-season games for the devils last season.
