The New Jersey Devils enter the 2026‑27 campaign with a crowded depth chart. Fifteen players on the roster either have enough NHL experience to trigger waiver requirements or simply need to clear waivers to be sent down, creating a logjam that the front office is already dissecting.
Off‑season moves reshape the landscape
General manager Tom Fitzgerald has emphasized that the recent offseason acquisitions were aimed at adding skill and goal‑scoring punch. The moves are designed to complement the core group that reached the playoffs last year and to give the team more flexibility when the waiver wire is activated.
According to a recent NHL.com feature, the Devils are already mapping out how to navigate the upcoming season while managing the potential crunch. The article outlines several scenarios, from shuffling the AHL affiliate to exploring trade options before the waiver deadline.
Elsewhere in the league, the Dallas Stars announced the signing of forward Jason Robertson to a one‑year contract, a move that could affect the Western Conference balance and provide a boost to their offensive depth.
Defenseman John Marino, a key piece of the New Jersey blue line, secured an eight‑year agreement that locks him in through the next decade, signaling the team’s intent to retain a core defensive presence.
The Carolina Hurricanes, together with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues, will have their game telecasts produced and distributed by the NHL for the upcoming season, a shift that promises broader exposure for the teams involved.
Speculation about a potential 33rd franchise has turned toward Austin and Houston as the most likely candidates. If the league proceeds with expansion, an NHL expansion draft would be required, a process that could dilute talent across the existing clubs and raise questions about how a new franchise can be built competitively.
Analysts warn that the expansion draft could force teams to expose valuable players, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape and altering the strategic calculus for roster building in the years ahead.