The New Jersey Devils are making waves with their recent transactions as the 2026 NHL trade deadline approaches. With just over 24 hours until the deadline, the team has waived three players: Evgeni Dadonov, Luke Glendening, and Maxim Tsyplakov. This strategic move is aimed at creating cap space and potentially making significant trades.
Cap Space and Salary Relief
The primary reason for waiving these players is to free up cap space. By waiving them, the Devils can save money against their salary cap, which is crucial for making future moves. As of Thursday, the team had $2,935,614 in cap space. The waiving process will provide relief in the following ways:
- Evgeni Dadonov's full cap hit of $1.15 million will be relieved, but only up to $1 million due to the minimum relief rule.
- Luke Glendening's cap hit of $1.15 million will also be relieved, with a minimum of $775,000.
- Maxim Tsyplakov's cap hit of $2.25 million will only provide $1.15 million in relief, as his contract exceeds the maximum buriable relief.
Potential Trades and Targets
The Devils are expected to make some substantial moves by Friday's deadline. Here are some key players and potential targets:
- Simon Nemec: A top-six scorer who could be an upgrade for Jack Hughes' line.
- Dougie Hamilton, Jonas Siegenthaler, Johnathan Kovacevic, Brenden Dillon, and Cody Glass: These players are all potential trade targets, with varying roles and skill sets.
- Nick Bjugstad: Another name to watch, as the Devils may be looking to add depth to their forward corps.
- Seamus Casey (AHL): The Devils have an eye on prospects, and Seamus Casey in the American Hockey League is a player to keep an eye on.
Conclusion
The Devils' recent moves and their focus on cap space relief suggest they are preparing for a busy trade deadline. With a potential influx of new players, the team could be gearing up for a significant rebuild or a push towards the playoffs. As the deadline approaches, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting the Devils' next move, hoping for a team transformation that could shape their future success.
