New Jersey Devils Q&A - May 23, 2025

I answered your questions re: top-6 targets, Quinn Hughes, bargain bin candidates, and much more.

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I haven’t done a Q&A post in far too long. With things relatively quiet while the final four teams finish out the playoffs, now seemed like a great time to change that.

Let’s get right to your questions.

Q: If the salary cap wasn't an issue, who is 1 UFA you would sign for NJD, and why?

Mitch Marner is the obvious answer (and the right one) simply because he’s the best player. I’ll say Sam Bennett to be a little different and keep things interesting.

He is a high-danger chance machine who consistently scores 20+ goals per season with little to no time on the top power play unit. His on-ice numbers are strong and he’s a complete pain in the ass to play against.

His production also goes up a notch in the playoffs every year. He has 13 points in 14 games thus far and has produced at least .75 points per game in six of his last seven playoff appearances.

The biggest sell for me, though, is the fact he’s a very good center still in his 20s. Flukey or not, Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier have both gone through their share of injury problems.

It would be awesome to have such a strong insurance policy and, when healthy, a 1-2-3 of Hughes, Hischier, and Bennett would be insane. It’s not happening but it’d be fun to see.

Q: Who is the potential biggest value signing we could make for each position in FA this year?

Assuming he wants to keep playing, Craig Smith is a potential bargain bin addition up front.

Prior to this season, which he spent with Chicago and Detroit, he has posted a positive 5v5 goal differential every year since 2013-14. That’s good!

He has also scored 26 5v5 goals the past three years, which is more than notables like Teuvo Teravainen, Stefan Noesen, Marcus Foligno, Max Domi, Jonathan Drouin, JG Pageau, Yanni Gourde, and Andrew Copp.

In terms of rate stats, Smith’s 0.77 goals per 60 in that span is identical to names like Nick Suzuki, Seth Jarvis, and Kevin Fiala.

Obviously, Smith doesn’t have that kind of skill and is unlikely to score as efficiently facing tougher competition over a larger workload. However, he’s someone who can create offense in the bottom-6 and help out on the forecheck.

On defense, I’ll go with Parker Wotherspoon. I highlighted him as a potential bargain bin add at the deadline.

He’s not going to give you much of anything offensively but his numbers with zone entries and zone exits are strong and he has 118 NHL games (playoffs included) to his credit. He’s someone you can trust in a depth role.

Q: Are there any people in our AHL system that would be worth giving a shot in a depth role on the 3rd or 4th line?

The 3rd line would definitely be a stretch. Brian Halonen is someone who could be worthy of a look on the 4th.

He scored 20 goals in 35 games with Utica in 2023-24 and potted 27 in 62 this past season. Utica’s goal share was also 12% higher during 5v5 play with Halonen on the ice as opposed to off of it.

He can score goals – at least at the AHL level – and has some fiestiness to his game. I’m sure he’ll get a long look in camp if he earns one.

Q: Why don’t the Devils actually utilize the Utica players like Halonen and others?

The simple answer: there isn’t much talent on the roster. Nolan Foote always leaves you wanting more and Halonen posted a 32.3 xGF% in his two NHL games this season.

Those guys are the cream of the crop up front for Utica so I’m not sure who is worthy of getting any opportunities. Curtis Lazar, Tomas Tatar, et all give the team a much better chance of competency on the 4th line even when struggling.

Q: In your opinion, were Jim Rutherford’s comments a form of tampering?

I mean, probably. You’re not supposed to comment on other players so talking about bringing a pair of star brothers to Vancouver is definitely crossing the line. I don’t think there was any ill-intent behind it, though. Jim Rutherford simply always shoots for the hip and is perhaps a little too forward with the truth.

I also don’t think the Devils were overly concerned about it. Jack and Luke love New Jersey and are under team control for a long time. I don’t think they’d want to leave even if they could.

Everybody and their mother knows if and when any Hughes brother is changing teams, it’ll be Quinn.

Q: What are you most realistic or hopeful trades for 1) acquiring Quinn Hughes and 2) acquiring a top 6 winger?