As August approaches, marking the shift to the 2025 calendar, many NHL players are cherishing the last moments with their loved ones before heading to their new team cities for the 2025-26 season.
At present, three former New Jersey Devils forwards are without a team and actively seeking new professional hockey opportunities.
Nathan Bastian, who previously played for the New Jersey Devils, is experiencing free agency for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old has appeared in 276 NHL games, most of them with the Devils. During recent end-of-season media availability, Bastian expressed a strong desire to remain in New Jersey, sharing how much the city, team, and staff mean to him. However, on July 2nd, Hockey News confirmed with Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald that the organization is not interested in re-signing any unrestricted free agents except Jake Allen and Dennis Chorowski.
Kevin Rooney, formerly with the Calgary Flames, started his NHL journey with the Devils and has also played for the New York Rangers. At 32, Rooney has just completed a career-high 70-game season with the Flames, tallying 10 points in total.
Jimmy Vesey began the 2024-25 season with the Rangers but was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. The 32-year-old recorded eight points in 43 games last season and participated in the Avalanche postseason before becoming a free agent on July 1st. Vesey is known for his journey through six NHL organizations since debuting in 2016.
For the latest on the New Jersey Devils, including news, exclusive interviews, and analysis, follow THN’s Devils coverage. Additional features include insights into the mental aspect of the game with Devils players and mental skills coach Ann Diswold, and comments from Devils manager Patrick Fischer on player Nico Hischier’s determination.
Photo Credit: ©John Jones – Imagn Images
Fan Take: This update is crucial for fans tracking player movement and team strategies ahead of the new season. How these free agents land could significantly impact team dynamics and the competitive landscape of the NHL in 2025-26.
