Five Former Devils Seek New Opportunities as Unrestricted Free Agents

The NHL’s off-season has settled into a lull, with only minor signings and arbitration cases being resolved. Amidst this quiet period, several notable players remain on the free agent market, including a handful of former New Jersey Devils who are eager to find new NHL homes.

Leading the pack is Adam Henrique, a familiar name among Devils fans. Once a core member of the team, Henrique made his mark by scoring two series-clinching overtime goals during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including a pivotal one against the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Now, at 34, he’s looking for another shot in the league. While he may be seen as a solid bottom-six forward at this stage in his career, his extensive experience could be an asset for any team needing depth.

Another player seeking a chance is Luke Glendening. The 37-year-old began the 2025-26 season with the Devils before being claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers, marking the fifth team in his NHL journey. Over the course of the season, he played a combined 70 games for both clubs. Like Henrique, Glendening is eyeing a bottom-six role, bringing a smart, defensive-minded game that can help round out a roster.

Nathan Bastian is also on the lookout for a new team after a rollercoaster career that began with the Devils before he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. After returning to New Jersey and signing with the Dallas Stars, he managed to appear in only 36 games last season. Bastian offers a physical presence as a fourth-line forward and has shown he can chip in offensively, potentially contributing 7-12 goals for his next organization.

Tomas Nosek, who suited up for 36 games with the Devils in the 2023-24 season, is another unrestricted free agent searching for a landing spot. A veteran of five NHL teams since debuting in 2015, Nosek has carved out a niche as a dependable fourth-liner and could be a valuable addition as a 13th forward who can step in as needed.

Lastly, Evgenii Dadonov, a player with a wealth of experience from six NHL teams and a stint in the KHL, is hoping for one final opportunity at 37. Known for his offensive capabilities, Dadonov has recorded 164 goals and 198 assists across 641 NHL games. However, his recent performance with the Devils, where he scored just one goal in 24 games, raises questions about his future. Should he not find a new team, a return to Russia seems likely.

As the off-season progresses, these former Devils hope to find new homes in the NHL, ready to contribute and make their mark once again.

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