# Devils roster overhaul: Hischier extension and Nemec trade > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sunny-mehta-hired-as-new-jersey-devils-gm-and-steers-team-toward-playoffready-draft-picks > Updated: 2026-08-10T19:37:15.000Z. Sources: 70. Developments: 36. Following the appointment of Sunny Mehta as general manager, the New Jersey Devils have undergone a significant roster overhaul. A primary focus has been securing captain Nico Hischier, who eventually signed a five-year extension worth approximately $12 million per year. The team also navigated contract negotiations for restricted free agents Arseny Gritsyuk and defenseman Šimon Nemec, the latter of whom was traded to the Calgary Flames in exchange for conditional first-round picks, a second-round pick, and prospect Etienne Morin. In goaltending, the Devils moved on from veteran Jacob Markstrom, trading him to the Florida Panthers for Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and the rights to Ben Steeves. To manage the position, Mehta implemented a platoon system featuring Nico Daws, David Rittich, and Jake Allen. The club also utilized the 2026 NHL Draft to select center Alexander Command with the 12th overall pick, alongside several other prospects. Additional roster moves include signing winger Anthony Mantha to a two-year, $9.5 million deal and acquiring depth via Amadeus Lombardi and defenseman Declan Chisholm. Despite these additions, Mehta continues to seek an established starting goaltender, with names like Connor Hellebuyck and Jordan Binnington frequently linked to the club. The organization remains focused on balancing salary cap flexibility with the acquisition of elite talent to build a contending roster. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-10: New Jersey Devils restructure goaltending depth and cap structure The New Jersey Devils have overhauled their goaltending depth, trading Jacob Markstrom to gain cap flexibility and implementing a platoon system while seeking AHL depth via college free agents. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-restructure-goaltending-depth-and-cap-structure ### 2026-07-22: Šimon Nemec signs $36 million deal after trade to Calgary Flames Šimon Nemec lands a $36 million contract after a trade to Calgary; Jakub Demek returns to Vegas after injury‑marred season; Pavel Regenda is eyed by the Canadiens as a low‑risk free‑agent option. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imon-nemec-signs-36-million-deal-after-trade-to-calgary-flames ### 2026-07-20: New Jersey Devils Seek Goaltender Upgrade After Signing Anthony Mantha The New Jersey Devils signed forward Anthony Mantha and are exploring additional forward signings while targeting a top‑tier goalie, with trade rumors about Connor Hellebuyck and Jordan Binnington. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-seek-goaltender-upgrade-after-signing-anthony-mantha ### 2026-07-18: New Jersey Devils seek goaltending upgrade amid busy offseason The Devils have reshaped their roster but still lack a top‑tier goalie, prompting calls for a trade, while NHL media drew criticism for leaving Jesper Bratt off the All‑Star Swedish roster. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-seek-goaltending-upgrade-amid-busy-offseason ### 2026-07-16: New Jersey Devils sign winger Anthony Mantha to two‑year deal The New Jersey Devils signed winger Anthony Mantha to a two‑year, $9.5 million contract, adding his 33‑goal scorer to the top‑six and reshaping the forward group for the upcoming season. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-sign-winger-anthony-mantha-to-twoyear-deal ### 2026-07-13: Calgary Flames reshape defense in offseason overhaul The Calgary Flames overhauled their defense, adding Simon Nemec, Jacob Middleton and others while losing Blake Coleman, aiming to rebound from missing the playoffs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calgary-flames-reshape-defense-in-offseason-overhaul ### 2026-07-11: Calgary Flames eye forward free agents as Simon Nemec contract raises stakes Calgary Flames consider signing forward free agents like Eeli Tolvanen while managing the risk of Simon Nemec’s five‑year contract acquired this summer. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calgary-flames-eye-forward-free-agents-as-simon-nemec-contract-raises-stakes ### 2026-07-09: NHL Captain Nico Hischier Rescues Family in Switzerland Devils captain Nico Hischier rescued a family of four from danger near a Swiss dam, praising first responders and noting his recent contract extension. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhl-captain-nico-hischier-rescues-family-in-switzerland ### 2026-07-08: Utah Mammoth retains center Barrett Hayton after matching Devils' $4.775 M offer sheet Utah Mammoth matched New Jersey’s $4.775 M offer sheet for centre Barrett Hayton, keeping him for a year and blocking any trade until he becomes a free agent next summer. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/utah-mammoth-retain-center-barrett-hayton-by-matching-4775m-offer-sheet ### 2026-07-07: Calgary Flames sign Slovak defenseman Simon Nemec to five‑year, $36.25 million contract Calgary Flames sign Slovak defender Simon Nemec to a five‑year, $36.25 million contract, making him the team's highest‑paid defenseman and ending a four‑year playoff drought. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calgary-flames-sign-defenseman-simon-nemec-to-five-year-3625-million-deal ### 2026-07-04: Utah Mammoth's roster reshaped amid Devils' Barrett Hayton offer sheet and key player trades The Utah Mammoth must decide on a $4.775 M/yr offer sheet for Barrett Hayton, while the team trades JJ Peterka for first‑round picks and adds veterans like Vincent Trocheck, sparking a major roster overhaul. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/utah-mammoth-reshapes-roster-with-barrett-hayton-offer-sheet-and-jj-peterka-trade ### 2026-07-01: New Jersey Devils tender $4.8M offer sheet to Barrett Hayton The New Jersey Devils offered Barrett Hayton a one‑year, $4.775 M contract, with a second‑round pick as compensation if Utah Mammoth don’t match, making Hayton a free agent in July 2027. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-tender-48m-offer-sheet-to-barrett-hayton ### 2026-07-01: New Jersey Devils lock in captain Nico Hischier, add goaltender Nico Daws and defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok The New Jersey Devils signed captain Nico Hischier to a five‑year $58.5 M extension, re‑signed goalie Nico Daws to a two‑year $1.1 M AAV deal, and added defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok on a one‑year $850 K one 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-lock-in-hischier-and-gritsyuk-with-multiyear-extensions ### 2026-06-30: Florida Panthers trade for goaltender Jacob Markstrom Florida Panthers acquire veteran goalie Jacob Markstrom and winger Angus Crookshank from the New Jersey Devils for Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist and prospect rights, ending the Bobrovsky era in South Florida. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-panthers-trade-for-goaltender-jacob-markstrom ### 2026-06-28: New Jersey Devils pick Alexander Command and other prospects in 2026 NHL Draft The New Jersey Devils drafted Swedish center Alexander Command and six other prospects—including defensemen, a Belarusian goalie and Maryland native Quinn McKenzie—in the 2026 NHL Draft, building depth across 5 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-pick-swedish-center-alexander-command-in-2026-nhl-draft ### 2026-06-26: New Jersey Devils face key contract decisions on Quinn Hughes and Jacob Markstrom The Devils’ offseason includes uncertain talks over Quinn Hughes’ contract with the Wild and a possible trade of goalie Jacob Markstrom, prompting a search for new netminders amid cap space. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-face-key-contract-decisions-on-quinn-hughes-and-jacob-markstrom ### 2026-06-26: Šimon Nemec trades to Calgary Flames, eyes seven‑year, $8 million‑per‑year contract Šimon Nemec moves from the New Jersey Devils to the Calgary Flames in a trade involving two first‑round picks, with the Slovak defender expected to sign a seven‑year, $8 million‑per‑year contract, becoming the 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imon-nemec-trades-to-calgary-flames-eyes-sevenyear-8-millionperyear-contract ### 2026-06-26: Detroit Red Wings trade forward Lombardi to Devils and draft Czech goalie Orsulák The Detroit Red Wings traded forward Amadeus Lombardi to the New Jersey Devils for a 2026 fourth‑round pick and drafted Czech goalie Michal Orsulák (79th overall) in the same draft. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/detroit-red-wings-trade-forward-lombardi-to-devils-and-draft-czech-goalie-orsulk ### 2026-06-25: New Jersey Devils acquire Amadeus Lombardi, trade for Declan Chisholm and draft Alexander Command The Devils traded for forward Amadeus Lombardi, defenseman Declan Chisholm and drafted centre Alexander Command 12th overall in the 2026 draft, boosting depth. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-acquire-amadeus-lombardi-from-detroit-red-wings ### 2026-06-24: Šimon Nemec joins Calgary Flames in trade from New Jersey Devils Slovak defenseman Šimon Nemec is traded from the New Jersey Devils to the Calgary Flames, where he will join fellow Slovaks and is slated for a top‑pairing role under coach Ryan Huska. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imon-nemec-joins-calgary-flames-in-trade-from-new-jersey-devils ### 2026-06-23: Simon Nemec traded to Calgary Flames in multi‑pick deal Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov were dealt to the Calgary Flames for two protected first‑round picks, a 2026 second‑round pick and prospect Etienne Morin; Nemec, a 22‑year‑old Slovak defenseman, expressed shock 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calgary-flames-trade-for-slovak-defenseman-simon-nemec-and-russian-winger-maxim-tsyplakov ### 2026-06-23: New Jersey Devils unveil condensed 2026 preseason schedule amid trade speculation The Devils announced a four‑game 2026 preseason against the Rangers and Islanders and, with new GM Sunny Mehta, are linked to a trade for depth forward Evan Rodrigues. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-unveil-condensed-2026-preseason-schedule-amid-trade-speculation ### 2026-06-20: New Jersey Devils weigh contract options for Slovak defenseman Šimon Nemec Šimon Nemec’s contract with the New Jersey Devils expired; negotiations face cap constraints, with analysts projecting $8 M/year for a long deal or $4.5 M for a bridge. Trade rumors involve the Ducks and Red W 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-weigh-contract-options-for-slovak-defenseman-imon-nemec ### 2026-06-18: New Jersey Devils outline 2026 draft targets and seek Nico Hischier extension The Devils are targeting specific players for the 2026 draft while negotiating a Nico Hischier extension, amid broader offer‑sheet speculation for other NHL talents. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-outline-2026-draft-targets-and-seek-nico-hischier-extension ### 2026-06-15: New Jersey Devils target draft prospects and bounce‑back players for next season The New Jersey Devils, under GM Sunny Mehta, target prospects like Viggo Björck, Tynan Lawrence and Oscar Hemming in the NHL Draft while eyeing a bounce‑back season for players such as Timo Meier and Dawson ​​​ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-target-draft-prospects-and-bounceback-players-for-next-season ### 2026-06-13: New Jersey Devils Explore Trade Options for Veteran Goaltender Jacob Markstrom The New Jersey Devils, after a costly acquisition of Jacob Markstrom, are now gauging trade interest ahead of the 2026‑27 season, with GM Sunny Mehta assessing his value despite recent struggles. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-explore-trade-options-for-veteran-goaltender-jacob-markstrom ### 2026-06-12: New Jersey Devils plan roster overhaul and contract extensions for 2026-27 The New Jersey Devils, led by GM Sunny Mehta, are overhauling their roster: extending Nico Hischier, deciding Simon Nemec’s future, and exploring a trade for goalie Jacob Markström. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-plan-roster-overhaul-and-contract-extensions-for-2026-27 ### 2026-06-12: New Jersey Devils eye Hischier extension, weigh trade for goalie Markstrom The New Jersey Devils are pursuing a $11‑13 million extension for captain Nico Hischier while exploring a trade for veteran goalie Jacob Markstrom, whose recent performance has declined. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-eye-hischier-extension-weigh-trade-for-goalie-markstrom ### 2026-06-11: New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta upbeat on contracts and eyes trade for Mason McTavish New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta says contract talks with Hischier and Gritsyuk are encouraging and is pursuing a trade for Mason McTavish as the team rebuilds after a poor 2025‑26 season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-gm-sunny-mehta-upbeat-on-contracts-and-eyes-trade-for-mason-mctavish ### 2026-06-05: Montreal Canadiens monitor Devils' centre Nico Hischier as a potential acquisition Nico Hischier’s contract year with the New Jersey Devils has sparked trade speculation as the Montreal Canadiens closely monitor him as a potential centre, seeing him as a perfect fit alongside Nick Suzuki. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montreal-canadiens-monitor-devils-centre-nico-hischier-as-a-potential-acquisition ### 2026-06-04: Nico Hischier begins contract extension talks with New Jersey Devils Nico Hischier and his agent have begun early talks with the New Jersey Devils on a new contract, with Montreal watching closely; analysts project an $11.5 M yearly deal. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nico-hischier-begins-contract-extension-talks-with-new-jersey-devils ### 2026-05-29: New Jersey Devils negotiate extension for star forward Nico Hischier The New Jersey Devils, led by new GM Sunny Mehta, are in early talks to extend forward Nico Hischier’s contract, likely at $10‑11 million per year; otherwise he could be traded to teams like the Kings, Wild or 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-negotiate-extension-for-star-forward-nico-hischier ### 2026-05-26: Nico Hischier contract negotiations dominate New Jersey Devils offseason Devils captain Nico Hischier is in early talks for a likely multi‑year extension, with projections of an $11.5 million AAV deal; the Montreal Canadiens and other teams are watching. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nico-hischier-contract-negotiations-dominate-new-jersey-devils-offseason ### 2026-05-15: New Jersey Devils weigh trade of Hischier as Meier underperforms Devils consider trading captain Hischier while contract‑heavy forward Meier fails to meet expectations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-weigh-trade-of-hischier-as-meier-underperforms ### 2026-05-11: New Jersey Devils target playoff‑ready talent in upcoming NHL Draft New Jersey Devils, led by GM Sunny Mehta, prioritize aggressive, playoff‑ready prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-devils-target-playoffready-talent-in-upcoming-nhl-draft ### 2026-04-16: Mehta appointed general manager of the New Jersey Devils Sunny Mehta named GM of the New Jersey Devils; ex-Panthers executive announced by owner David Blitzer in Newark. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mehta-appointed-general-manager-of-the-new-jersey-devils --- Cite as: Devils roster overhaul: Hischier extension and Nemec trade. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sunny-mehta-hired-as-new-jersey-devils-gm-and-steers-team-toward-playoffready-draft-picks