The wait to see how the New Jersey Devils will bounce back from a disappointing campaign last season is getting closer with unrestricted free agency underway at noon Monday.
New Jersey has reportedly made two additions on its blue line already, signing defenseman Brett Pesce to a six-year, $33 million deal with an average annual value (AAV) in the range of $5.5 million, according to Chris Johnston of TSN. This was followed up by a report from ESPN’s Kevin Weekes minutes later that the organization will also be adding defenseman Brenden Dillon.
Prior to free agency, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald and the front office made the decision to hire former Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe behind the bench on a four-year contract on May 23. The moves didn’t stop there, as they traded for Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom in exchange for a 2025 first-round pick and defenseman Kevin Bahl on June 19.
The Devils aren’t figured to be done either, with the franchise, along with the Rangers, being linked to some of the top free-agent forwards still available on the market.
Stay tuned here for all the latest, up-to-date moves the Devils make in free agency:
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NJ Devils free agency updates
Monday, 3:16 p.m. – The Devils have signed forward Mike Hardman, according to PuckPedia. Through three seasons the 25-year-old has racked up 87 points (46 goals, 41 assists) in 164 games with the Rockford IceHogs, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Blackhawks. Hardman has appeared in 37 regular games with Chicago and netted five points (one goal, four assists) in that span.
Monday, 2:59 p.m. – New Jersey announces Stefan Noesen, its third signing of the day so far on ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter
Monday, 2:46 p.m. – Devils make signing of defenseman Brendan Dillon official on ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter.
Monday, 2:26 p.m. – New Jersey officially announces the signing of Brett Pesce on ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter, this afternoon.
Monday, 1:45 p.m. – The Dallas Stars have reportedly agreed to terms with Brendan Smith, according to Friedman. With the additions of Pesce and Dillon coming in to join already loaded back end, it’s not surprising that the 35-year-old left shot defenseman was the odd man out and decided to sign elsewhere. Smith accumulated 20 points (five goals and 15 assists) in 123 games over the last two seasons as a member of the Devils.
Monday, 12:19 p.m. – Defenseman Brenden Dillon officially chooses the Devils with a three-year, $4 million AAV deal to play in the Garden State, per Friedman.
Monday, 12:12 p.m. – While Elias Lindholm hadn’t been heavily rumored or linked to New Jersey, one of the best available centers is off the board as he signs a 7-year, $7.75 million AAV deal to join the Boston Bruins, according to Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Monday, 12:09 p.m. – In a matter of minutes, the Devils have lost out on both top free agent forwards available with Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos both opting to sign with the Nashville Predators. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that Stamkos signed a four-year, $8 million AAV contract and Marchessault inked a five-year, 5.5 million AAV contract with the organization.
Monday, 12:04 p.m. – It’s official with the Devils agreeing to terms with Brett Pesce on a six-year, $5.5 million AAV deal, according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff. After a breakout campaign in 2022-23 (career-high 25 assists and 30 points), it was a down year for the Tarrytown, New York native, who notched only 13 points (three goals and 10 assists) in 70 games last season.
Monday, 10 a.m. – Prior to noon, the Devils got things going by bolstering their defensive core in Pesce and Dillon. A move or two on the back end was expected for New Jersey after the franchise traded fellow defenseman John Marino to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for the 49th pick and a fifth-round selection from Colorado (No. 153 overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft last Friday.
