Exploring Six PTO Candidates for the New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils are entering an intriguing phase of the offseason, with fans eagerly anticipating the annual Top 25 Under 25 community vote. As the mid-offseason lull settles in, the team has remained active, making several noteworthy moves, including new coaching additions and signings like Anthony Mantha. This has kept the conversation lively among fans, as the Devils look to strengthen their roster.

While the core of the roster is mostly established, with some surplus among bottom-six forwards, left-handed defensemen, and goaltenders, the organization could enhance competition at training camp through Professional Try-Outs (PTOs). Historically, the Devils have had mixed success with PTOs. Last season, they brought in Kevin Rooney and Luke Glendening, opting for the latter, a decision that proved less than ideal. Previous years saw similar outcomes, including the release of Kevin Labanc and Max Willman, both of whom went on to have better performances elsewhere.

Despite these setbacks, the potential for finding impactful players through PTOs remains. Here are six candidates who could fit well with the Devils.

Leading the list is Adam Henrique, the 36-year-old veteran coming off a challenging offensive season with the Edmonton Oilers. While he took on a shutdown role, analytics from sources like HockeyViz and Evolving-Hockey still highlight Henrique’s underlying contributions. With the recent addition of Colin White, the Devils have bolstered their competition for the fourth-line center role. Henrique could provide better production than Nick Bjugstad while significantly reducing the cap hit, making him a compelling option.

Another familiar name is Nate Bastian, who had a solid season with the Dallas Stars as a 13th forward. Known for his defensive prowess on the bottom six, Bastian could be a valuable asset if Stefan Noesen continues to struggle with injuries. Although health issues have plagued Bastian, his six goals in 36 games last season indicate he can provide the affordable scoring the Devils need. His familiarity with head coach Sheldon Keefe could also play a role in his potential return.

Adam Boqvist, younger brother of current Devil Jesper Boqvist, is another intriguing candidate. Coming off a difficult season with the New York Islanders, the 25-year-old right-handed defenseman has shown promise as a puck mover. The Devils currently possess a surplus of left-handed defensemen, so adding Boqvist could provide necessary depth, especially given the injury history of the right-side defense. With 272 games of NHL experience, Boqvist might be eager to compete for a spot alongside his brother.

On the defensive front, Pierre-Olivier Joseph stands out as one of the fastest skaters available among free agents. Despite having played 75 games for Pittsburgh in 2022-23, he has struggled to find a permanent role in the NHL. At just 26 years old, Joseph could enhance the competition among defensemen during training camp, although his chances of making the team may be slim given the current roster landscape.

Pavol Regenda, a rare Group 6 UFA at 26, also merits consideration after a promising stint with the San Jose Sharks, where he scored nine goals in 24 games. Standing at 6’3” and 215 pounds, Regenda’s size and recent offensive productivity could make him an appealing option for the Devils’ bottom six. His performance at the Olympics, where he scored three goals and two assists for Team Slovakia, further demonstrates his potential. The uncertainty surrounding his analytical ratings makes him a wildcard, but the prospect of adding a player with his capabilities is worth exploring.

Lastly, the absence of goaltender Matt Murray from the free-agent market is noteworthy. Despite his injury struggles, he recorded a .922 save percentage in five NHL appearances for Seattle last season. Given the uncertainty surrounding David Rittich, adding Murray as a PTO could create healthy competition for the third goaltender spot. However, the Devils would need to ensure he’s not relegated to the AHL, aligning him more as a PTO candidate rather than a permanent signing.

What do you think about these PTO options? Are there any players you feel could be a great fit for the New Jersey Devils? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and thank you for reading.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.