Team: 2024-25 New Jersey Devils

Initial Creation Date: May 18, 2024

Published: May 18, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

This is my take on a NJ team that could/might happen during this off season. Let me know what you guys think.

For Dawson Mercer, I gave looked at some comparable contracts like Joel Farabee, Joel Eriksson EK, Drake Batherson and Adrian Kempe. He's right around all those guys so I gave him the exact same contract as Eriksson EK. Yes he had a down year but since he's come into the league, he hasn't missed a game, can play anywhere. Can play center or wing ( even though he's a better right winger ) . Can play PP or PK. Can have him on the ice in the last couple minutes of the game. So I think this contract is more than fair for Dawson.

For NJ to get Jacob Markstrom, I don't think it will cost them that much. Before the trade deadline he was asked if he would be willing to waive his M-NTC to go to NJ and he said yes. For whatever reason it didn't happen and he's not to happy with management. I believe NJ will get him in the summer and it won't cost as much as people think. That's why I made the 2026 2nd round pick conditional and Calgary retained at least 1mil of his salary cap for the next 2 years.

Now for Anthony Duclair. I overpayed him maybe a little but I think Duclair for 1 year at 4mil is more than fair. I think Duclair beside Jack and Dawson could be a solid line. They're all great skaters and Jack makes the players he plays with better. I did a 1 year contract for 2 reasons. First is kind of a show me deal for Duclair. I don't think this summer he's going to get a long term deal at a good AAV. This way he shows what he can do so next summer with either NJ or another team he gets his deal. Second, If we lose Duclair next summer or for whatever reason trade him at the deadline, that spot could potentially be open for Arseni Gritsyuk or someone else.

With the 10th pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft I have the New Jersey Devils selecting LW Cole Eiserman. I signed him just so he would show up here. He's going to Boston University next season and there's no need for NJ to sign him to a contract yet.

Last but not least, I signed Joel Edmundson to a 2 year contract. With NJ losing Bahl to Calgary in the Markstrom trade, they needed to add a big body defenseman. Edmundson is a winner and can be a great mentor to Nemec on the 3rd pairing. Plus Edmundson will bring some grit and isn't afraid to stick up for his teammates.

I didn't trade Holtz because I want to see what he can do with a different coach. Ruff didn't play him at all and Green did but for spurts.

Once again let me know what you guys think. I would love to add Zadorov to this team but with his play in the playoffs, I don't think NJ wants to pay 4.5mil+ for a 3rd pairing defenseman.