Devils Rumors: 3 Offer Sheet Candidates For New Jersey This Offseason
With GM Tom Fitzgerald telling The Athletic that pursuing RFAs could be "smart" and "an eye-opener," the Devils may be ready to test the waters if the right opportunity presents itself.
"You're betting on the upside and future with restricted free agents versus you're betting on the past with unrestricted free agents," Fitzgerald said, indicating a shift in philosophy that could define New Jersey’s summer plans.
Some of the stuff I’ve seen written about Fabian Zetterlund is…interesting.
— SENS TALK (@senstalk_) April 2, 2025
He’s producing quality scoring chances every game. The goals will come. Sometimes it takes a bit longer for some than others.
I understand the frustrations but we should support Zetts not put him down.…
Among the names mentioned by Nichols, former Devil Fabian Zetterlund could be a reunion worth exploring. Now skating on Ottawa's top line, Zetterlund hasn’t produced much offensively since joining the Senators but is coming off a 20-plus goal season in San Jose and fits the Devils' need for a cost-effective scoring winger.
Projected to command around $4 million annually, an offer sheet would only cost New Jersey a 2026 second-round pick.
Similarly, Kaapo Kakko, now with Seattle, is showing flashes of the potential that once made him the second overall pick. After a slow start in New York, the 24-year-old has found his footing with the Kraken and is projected to earn a similar figure to Zetterlund.
GABRIEL VILARDI 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Gtw1sSySwe
— Winnipeg Sports Talk (@SportsTalkWPG) March 12, 2025
If the Devils decide to make a more aggressive move, Gabriel Vilardi of the Winnipeg Jets is a more expensive but impactful option.
Vilardi is having a breakout year with 27 goals and 61 points, and his projected $6.57 million cap hit would cost New Jersey at least a first-round pick in 2026. Given the club’s need for scoring punch in the top-six and their solid blueline and goaltending setup, Nichols believes Vilardi could be a bold but worthwhile addition.
With just one major RFA of their own to re-sign in Luke Hughes, and limited appeal in the UFA forward market, the Devils might find their best upgrades in a rarely used part of the NHL playbook.
Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
