New Jersey Devils Add Depth With Smart Free‑Agent Picks

Why Depth Is the Devil’s Edge

The Devils are gearing up for a season that will test every line and pairing. After losing Barrett Hayton to the Utah Mammoth, the club faces questions about depth at center and on the wings. The front office seems willing to explore cost‑conscious signings that boost both offense and defense.

Instead of a blockbuster trade, the focus turned to free‑agent options that meet three criteria: solid analytics, strong forechecking, and manageable salaries. A handful of players line up as ideal fits for New Jersey’s bottom six and top four lines alike.

Below are the moves that could reshape the roster while preserving cap room for future adjustments.

Danton Heinen: Defensive Gem for the Bottom Six

Heinen brings a rare blend of defensive responsibility and reliable play‑making. Over the last three seasons he appears in the 58th spot among forwards logged 2,300+ minutes, posting a 55.26% goals‑for percentage. He also starts fewer than half his shifts in offensive zones, showing versatility.

His defensive impact ranks among the league’s best for heavily used forwards, according to HockeyViz. The chart below visualizes his defensive value compared to peers.

Pairing Heinen with Nico Hischier or a shutdown center creates a reliable bottom‑six unit. His forechecking is above average, which fits the new Devils system under Sunny Mehta. The signing adds depth without inflating the cap.

Adam Henrique: The Penalty‑Kill Center

Henrique’s recent two seasons with the Edmonton Oilers highlight a player who has embraced defensive duties. Evolving‑Hockey data shows he can hold his own in heavy‑load minutes, though shooting percentages have dipped.

Swapping Nick Bjugstad for Henrique frees $1.75 million in cap space and brings a face‑off rate that never drops below 50% since 2017‑18. Henrique’s penalty‑kill metrics (6.52 GA/60) dwarf Bjugstad’s recent struggles. The new pairing of Heinen‑ Henrique can become one of the league’s top shutdown lines.

Michael Bunting: Versatile Wing for the Top Lines

While Anthony Mantha is on the market, Bunting offers a more complete profile for New Jersey. His familiarity with head coach Sheldon Keefe, combined with the ability to play up and down the lineup, makes him an attractive option.

Bunting’s possession numbers outperform Mantha’s, and he excels at forechecking, keeping the puck in the offensive zone. The image illustrates his net‑presence and transition play.

He can slot into the second or third line, supporting Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier while still contributing defensively. Bunting’s signing keeps the cap open for future goaltender upgrades or scoring additions.

Clearing the Defensive Logjam

New Jersey now fields six left‑handed defensemen, a mix of assured contributors and aging candidates. Luke Hughes, Jonas Siegenthaler, Brenden Dillon, Declan Chisholm, Vladislav Kolyachonok, and Anton Silayev occupy roster spots and cap allocations. Dillon’s age and recent zone‑entry struggles make him a logical trade candidate.

Kolyachonok, despite being waiver‑eligible, shows first‑pair quality play per HockeyViz. The All‑Three‑Zones chart highlights where he can thrive if given consistent ice time.

Trading Dillon would open roughly $3.4 million in cap space, allowing the Devils to retain Bunting and Henrique while keeping roster flexibility. The move also addresses the defensive depth needed for a competitive Eastern Conference.

Quantifying the Impact

Using HockeyViz’s Synthetic Goals (sG) model, the proposed signings and role changes yield significant net gains:

• Signing Danton Heinen: +3.5 sG (high second‑line quality)
• Signing Adam Henrique: +1.3 sG (mid second‑line quality)
• Signing Michael Bunting: +0.4 sG (low second‑line quality)
• Giving Vladislav Kolyachonok a regular role: +4.1 sG (first‑pair quality)
• Giving Declan Chisholm a regular role: +0.0 sG (mid‑second pairing)

The players being moved—Brenden Dillon (–2.1 sG) and Nick Bjugstad (–7.1 sG)—subtract less than the value added. Overall, the Devils could see an 18.5 sG improvement, moving closer to the calibre of teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, whose forwards all sit at first‑ or second‑line levels.

What Do You Think?

Do you believe Bunting can lock down a top‑six role for New Jersey? Is the bottom‑six already solid enough after losing Hayton? How should Sunny Mehta address the defensive logjam? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help shape the future of the Devils.