With the Luke Hughes contract extension now secured, the New Jersey Devils find themselves nearly $4 million over the salary cap. That figure is manageable but still requires strategic maneuvering. Trading a cornerstone like Dougie Hamilton is not an option; he is too vital to the team’s defensive identity. On the other hand, the Devils have chosen not to buy out Ondrej Palát, an experienced veteran whose production has declined in recent seasons.
This creates an intriguing scenario for GM Tom Fitzgerald. How can the Devils optimize the roster, balance the cap, and improve performance on both ends of the ice?