New Jersey Devils’ 2024-25 Season Awards

Head coach Sheldon Keefe commended the physical aspect of his game, and Bratt’s willingness to throw his weight around will up the Devils’ competitiveness next season. His discipline, agility, and speed make him an elite player, and this season proves he deserves credit as one of the best offensive wingers in the NHL.

Best Defenseman: Luke Hughes

Luke Hughes has quickly emerged as one of the Devils’ most prominent defensemen. He shouldered additional responsibility after Jonas Siegenthaler and Dougie Hamilton’s injuries, improving his skill on the Devils’ special teams as well. This season, Hughes even became the first defenseman in franchise history to record back-to-back 30-assist seasons since Brian Rafalski. Unfortunately, he only played in Game 1 against the Hurricanes before suffering an injury, but he handled his limited playoff ice time with the poise of a seasoned pro.

Hughes led all Devils defensemen in both points (44) and assists (37), finding success with his veteran partner, Brett Pesce. Together, the two generated 53.19% of the Devils’ high-danger scoring chances (HDCF%). Goaltenders Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom also had a perfect save percentage (SV%) with the Hughes-Pesce duo on the penalty kill.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Hughes underwent successful shoulder surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery before the start of training camp, and there is no denying his game will reach another level in 2025-26.

Most Improved: Simon Nemec

It’s no secret that Simon Nemec had a tough sophomore season. During the regular season, he earned just four points in 27 games. As soon as the Devils recalled him from the American Hockey League (AHL), his struggles were noticeable.

Nemec finished the regular season with a minus-7 goal differential and a 38.71 goals for percentage (GF%). Likewise, he helped generate just 21.43% of high-danger goals (HDGF%). And according to NHL Edge, Nemec ranked below the 50th percentile among all defensemen in key stats such as shots on goal, skating distance, and offensive zone time.

But despite Nemec’s struggles, he flourished during the playoffs. Across four games, his GF% increased by 36.29%, while his expected goals percentage (xGF%) rose by 9.54%. His epic redemption came in Game 3, where Nemec’s game-winning goal propelled the team to a double-overtime 3-2 win. With Johnathan Kovacevic out for the start of next season, there is a high likelihood that Nemec could return to the lineup come fall.

Biggest Surprise: Johnathan Kovacevic

Kovacevic was arguably the Devils’ biggest steal. Acquired in exchange for a fourth-round 2026 Draft pick, he has emerged as a solid defensive defenseman. Kovacevic had some impressive on-ice rates, including 49.24 shot attempts and 2.06 goals per 60 minutes. He finished the regular season with a career-high in both assists (16) and time on ice per game (19:49).

The Siegenthaler-Kovacevic pairing was also the Devils’ best shutdown duo. Together, they recorded a 63.04 GF% and a 77.78 HDGF%. Goaltenders even had a .944 SV% with Siegenthaler and Kovacevic on the ice. 

During the playoffs, Kovacevic had a 53.85 HDCF% and was on the ice for 26 unblocked shot attempts before leaving Game 3 with a knee injury. Sadly, it is unclear if Kovacevic will be ready for the start of next season. During his exit interview, he mentioned that surgery could happen in the near future, so only time will tell.

Best Acquisition: Jacob Markstrom

Regardless of all the Devils’ shortcomings, one thing is certain: Markstrom was the perfect solution to their goaltending woes. He finished the regular season with a .900 SV% and a 26-16-6 record. It took time for him to get back into the swing of things after his MCL injury, but he stood tall in the net during the playoffs.

Markstrom was the Devils’ starting goaltender for all of Round 1. He ranked in the 99th percentile for high-danger SV% and saved 5.7 goals above expected. While the team scrambled to deal with injuries, he made jaw-dropping saves to keep the Devils alive.

The upcoming season marks the final year of his contract. When asked if he would remain in New Jersey, Markstrom replied, “If Fitzy [Tom Fitzgerald] is calling, I’m answering.” The Devils finally have a reliable starting goalie, and the organization should do everything in their power to keep it that way.

Better Things to Come for 2025-26?

The Devils showed moments of greatness all season long, but were unable to overcome a lethal concoction of injuries, similar to 2023-24. During the offseason, there will be plenty of things for them to address, including a lack of depth scoring. Nonetheless, New Jersey has the potential to do great things next season, as long as their roster is healthy come October.