Devils Add Physical, Skilled Players & Farewell to Brendan Smith
Plus, a look at the roster upgrades the team made, and more!
Welcome to the THW New Jersey Devils Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our Devils writers.
Devils’ Free Agent Additions Give Sheldon Keefe Many Line Options
July 4, 2024 by Josh Reinitz
Amid the flurry of moves made throughout the NHL on July 1, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald resisted the temptation to remake his forward group by overpaying for a top-six caliber forward. Instead, he rebuilt his team from the crease outward by inking stellar defensemen Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon and forming one of the league’s most complete and deep units.
Devils Lose Veteran Leader Brendan Smith to Free Agency
July 3, 2024 by Donnah Campbell
Following a lackluster 2023-24 season, the New Jersey Devils are looking to bounce back after not qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team has already solved their glaring issue between the pipes by acquiring goaltender Jakob Markström. However, once free agency opened, they needed to make quite a few roster decisions, one of which involved the oldest member of the team: Brendan Smith. His time in New Jersey came to an end after he became a free agent on July 1, signing a one-year contract with the Dallas Stars, worth $1 million.
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Devils Are Adding Physicality Without Sacrificing Talent
July 2, 2024 by Daniel Amoia
New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald said it a little over a week ago: “A little more violence would be great.” Well, he’s now delivered on that promise. The Florida Panthers created the championship mold of emphasizing physicality without sacrificing talent. With the recent additions of Paul Cotter, Brenden Dillon and Stefan Noesen, it seems the Devils are attempting the same.
Devils Get Instant Upgrade From Marino With Pesce Signing
July 1, 2024 by Daniel Amoia
After about a week of rumors, it’s official: the New Jersey Devils inked former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce to a six-year, $5.5 million contract. It’s pretty clear that he’ll be taking over the top-four role that John Marino once occupied. While Pesce does take up $1.1 million more than Marino, he appears much better suited to bring consistency and stability to the Devils’ blue line.
New Jersey Devils Sign Brett Pesce to 6-Year Deal
July 1, 2024 by Justin Giampietro
The New Jersey Devils are reportedly finalizing a deal with right-handed defenseman Brett Pesce, which will come out to a six-year contract worth $5.5 million each season per Chris Johnston. He was a veteran of the Carolina Hurricanes for nine seasons—this is the first new home of his NHL career.