Hello from a bright and sunny summer day!
The NHL calendar has entered a quieter phase, but activity continues behind the scenes. Recently, the New Jersey Devils have been active in shaping their roster for the upcoming season.
The Devils’ General Manager Tom Fitzgerald made an early move by signing Jake Allen at the start of free agency. This enabled further strategic acquisitions, including Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov. These additions bring depth to the team, contributing 43 goals and 57 assists collectively in the regular season.
“Connor Brown’s a guy who can move around your lineup. He gives you speed, a fantastic penalty killer,” said general manager Tom Fitzgerald. “He’s a guy that Sheldon will use at the end of games as well… It’s nice when you get handpicked and you can start a conversation, and you sense the excitement of a player… wanting to be here.”
Fitzgerald also emphasized strengthening 5-on-5 play with these signings: “When you look at the totals of Brown and Dadonov, the majority of their goals are 5-on-5.”
A two-year deal was secured for Cody Glass after extending his Qualifying Offer. The offseason also saw Arsenyi Gritsyuk join, adding four or five new forwards to the group.
“We’re excited. I think we’re a faster team. I think we’ve added skill,” Fitzgerald explained.
Fitzgerald is now focusing on signing Luke Hughes: “He’s excited. He wants to be a Devil long term — just like his brother (Jack). We’re excited about that.”
In goaltending news, Jakub Malek will transition to North America next season after playing in Finland’s top league: “Having depth within the net is crucial,” Fitzgerald identified.
Mikhail Yegorov remains an exciting prospect for future seasons: “It’s exciting,” Tom Fitzgerald said of Yegorov’s potential.
Development Camp offered insights into Utica Comets’ coaching staff working with Devils’ prospects under Meghan Duggan’s guidance.
“I’m really excited,” Parent expressed regarding meeting new staff members.
Don LaGreca is set to become Devils’ play-by-play announcer with MSG Networks: “This is his dream job.”
Arsenyi Gritsyuk’s transition from KHL to NHL brings anticipation for his performance: “Gritsyuk will be… exciting to see when he comes over here,” Fitzgerald stated.
As preseason approaches with only 74 days left until facing New York Rangers, excitement builds for fans awaiting hockey action again soon!
