James Nichols
According to a report, the New Jersey Devils tried to sign free agent Jonathan Toews amid making his NHL comeback.
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Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports, “The Devils were among the 15 teams that tried on Jonathan Toews.”
Although there were 15 suitors, the Toews sweepstakes really boiled down to two teams. The Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche.
The former Chicago Blackhawks captain opted to play for his hometown team, inking a one-year contract with the Jets at $2 million, with $5 million in incentives.
The Devils’ interest reinforces two things that general manager Tom Fitzgerald stated plainly at his year-end press conference.
There will be changes.
Fitzgerald already shipped out Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators, clearing $3.15 million from New Jersey’s cap. The interest in Toews doubles down on the notion that the Devils are looking for a third-line center.
It’s already been reported that they are not qualifying Cody Glass. Despite the report, a source confirms that the Devils are still interested in bringing him back.
That could mean the preference is to have him return under his $2.5 million qualifying offer.
Yet, a potential Glass return could be in a fourth-line role.
New Jersey is very much looking for a third-line center among other bottom-six players. We know it won’t be Toews.
However, there are plenty of names on the open market that they could add to their center depth, whether that includes Glass or not.
Look out for names such as Pius Suter, Jack Roslovic, and Adam Gaudette in free agency.
Fitzgerald is active in the forward market as the 2025 NHL Draft approaches this weekend. Free agency will follow on Tuesday, with the Devils hoping to add scoring depth in the bottom six, while also looking at top-six scoring options.
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