Devils Reshape Roster with Blockbuster Summer Trades

Devils GM not satisfied with 2nd place

Devils Reshape Roster with Blockbuster Summer Trades

In an aggressive summer makeover, the New Jersey Devils have been relentless on the transaction wire in the TUFHL league, parting ways with marquee stars, prime draft picks, and promising prospects to execute a sweeping roster transformation.

Here is a breakdown of every major move executed by New Jersey since May 4:

Major Moves & Blockbusters

• Cale Makar Acquired in Massive Prospect Package (Aug 8, 2026)

  • Devils Trade Away: (Prospects) Cayden Lindstrom, Dmitry Simashev, Michael Hage, Nathan Aspinall, Roger McQueen, Shai Buium, and a 2027 1st-Round Pick (EDM).

  • Devils Receive: Cale Makar.

  • Summary: In the biggest blockbust of the offseason, the Devils emptied their prospect pipeline and surrendered a 1st-round pick to secure elite, franchise-altering defense from Washington.

• Blockbuster Forward Swap for Tage Thompson (Aug 7, 2026)

  • Devils Trade Away: Anton Lundell, Fraser Minten, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, (Prospects) Dean Letourneau, and Julius Miettinen.

  • Devils Receive: Tage Thompson.

  • Summary: Looking to bolster their top-six forward group, New Jersey traded a rich bundle of young roster players and top prospects to acquire superstar center Tage Thompson from Washington.

• Goaltending overhaul with Markstrom & Cotter (Aug 7, 2026)

  • Devils Trade Away: Kevin Lankinen, a 2027 2nd-Round Pick (CHI), and a 2027 3rd-Round Pick (WPG).

  • Devils Receive: Jacob Markstrom and Paul Cotter.

  • Summary: The Devils upgraded their crease by sending goaltender Kevin Lankinen along with mid-round picks to Buffalo for veteran goalie Jacob Markstrom and forward Paul Cotter.

• Flipping Tavares for Minten & Futures (Aug 6, 2026)

  • Devils Trade Away: John Tavares.

  • Devils Receive: Fraser Minten, a 2027 1st-Round Pick (EDM), and (Prospect) Sean Burick.

  • Summary: New Jersey moved veteran center John Tavares to Calgary to land young asset Fraser Minten, a 2027 1st-round pick, and prospect Sean Burick (Minten was subsequently re-routed to Washington in the Tage Thompson deal).