2 Former Devils Still Looking For New Homes

Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, July 17th 2025 at 0:34 GMT by The Hockey News - New Jersey Devils
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After a quick playoff exit this spring, the New Jersey Devils elected not to re-sign some of their players with expired contracts. As a result, players like Brian Dumoulin (Los Angeles Kings), Curtis Lazar (Edmonton Oilers), and Justin Dowling (New York Rangers) have found new homes since July 1.

The article titled "2 Former Devils Still Looking for Work as NHL Training Camps Open" focuses on two former New Jersey Devils players, Tomas Tatar and Kevin Bahl, who remain unsigned as NHL training camps commence for the 2024-25 season. Both players, who were part of the Devils organization in recent years, find themselves in a precarious position as free agents, with limited roster spots available across the league and the risk of missing out on contracts as the regular season approaches. The piece explores their respective careers, their contributions to the Devils, the circumstances surrounding their departures, and the challenges they face in securing new contracts in a competitive NHL market.

Tomas Tatar, a veteran forward, has had a notable career in the NHL, known for his offensive skills and consistency as a middle-six winger. Tatar spent three seasons with the New Jersey Devils, from 2021 to 2024, after signing a two-year contract with the team in the summer of 2021 and later a one-year extension. During his tenure with the Devils, Tatar was a reliable contributor, often playing on the second or third line and providing secondary scoring. His time in New Jersey was marked by a mix of success and challenges, as he adapted to the team’s evolving roster and playing style under head coach Lindy Ruff. Tatar’s offensive output, while not at the peak of his earlier years with teams like the Montreal Canadiens or Vegas Golden Knights, remained steady, and he was valued for his work ethic and ability to play in various situations, including on the power play.

However, Tatar’s contract was not renewed by the Devils following the 2023-24 season, a decision influenced by the team’s focus on youth development and salary cap constraints. The Devils have been prioritizing their young core of players, such as Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt, while also integrating new talent and managing their financial commitments. As a result, Tatar, now in his mid-30s, became an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024. Despite his experience and proven track record, Tatar has struggled to find a new team as training camps open. The article suggests that his age and the NHL’s trend toward younger, faster players may be factors in his current unemployment. Additionally, with many teams already set with their forward groups or operating under tight cap restrictions, the market for a player like Tatar has become increasingly narrow. The piece notes that Tatar might need to accept a short-term, low-cost deal or even a professional tryout contract (PTO) to prove his worth and secure a roster spot for the upcoming season. His versatility and experience could still make him an attractive option for a contending team looking for depth scoring or a veteran presence in the locker room, but time is running out as the preseason progresses.

Kevin Bahl, on the other hand, represents a different kind of challenge as a young defenseman who was traded by the Devils in the summer of 2024. Bahl, who was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in 2018 before being traded to New Jersey as part of the Taylor Hall deal in 2019, spent several seasons developing within the Devils’ system. A towering blueliner at 6-foot-6, Bahl was seen as a promising defensive prospect with the potential to become a shutdown defender in the NHL. During his time with the Devils, he played in a limited but growing role, often paired with more experienced defensemen as he honed his skills at the professional level. Bahl’s physicality and ability to clear the net front were among his standout traits, though his offensive game remained underdeveloped, which is not uncommon for a player of his archetype.

In June 2024, Bahl was traded to the Calgary Flames as part of a package deal that saw the Devils acquire goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The trade was a strategic move by New Jersey to address their goaltending needs, but it left Bahl in a state of uncertainty. Upon arriving in Calgary, Bahl became a restricted free agent (RFA), meaning the Flames held his negotiating rights. However, the Flames and Bahl were unable to come to terms on a new contract during the offseason, leading to a surprising turn of events. As training camp opened, Bahl remained unsigned, and the Flames did not appear to have a clear spot for him in their defensive lineup, which is already crowded with established players and other young prospects vying for ice time. The article highlights that Bahl’s situation is complicated by his status as an RFA, which limits his ability to negotiate with other teams unless Calgary relinquishes his rights or trades him. Without a contract, Bahl risks missing valuable development time and falling behind in his career progression, especially as a player who is still working to establish himself as a full-time NHLer.

The piece delves into the broader context of the NHL free agent market, noting that both Tatar and Bahl are among several players still without contracts as the new season looms. The league’s salary cap, which has only recently begun to rise after years of stagnation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to constrain teams’ ability to sign players, particularly those who are not considered top-tier talent. For a veteran like Tatar, the challenge lies in finding a team willing to take a chance on an older player when younger, cheaper options are available. For Bahl, the issue is more about opportunity and fit—finding a team that sees him as a long-term piece of their defensive puzzle and is willing to invest in his growth. The article suggests that both players may need to be flexible in their expectations, whether that means accepting a lower salary, a shorter-term deal, or even starting the season in a lesser role to prove their value.

The narrative also touches on the emotional and professional toll of being unsigned as training camps begin. For Tatar, a player with over a decade of NHL experience, the uncertainty can be particularly frustrating after years of proving himself as a dependable forward. He has expressed a desire to continue playing at the highest level, but the lack of offers may force him to consider alternatives, such as playing in Europe if no NHL deal materializes. Bahl, meanwhile, is at a critical juncture in his career, where missing camp and preseason games could hinder his development and jeopardize his chances of becoming a regular NHL defenseman. The article emphasizes that both players have unique skills and attributes that could benefit the right team, but the timing and circumstances of the current market are working against them.

In reflecting on their time with the Devils, the piece acknowledges the organization’s role in shaping their careers. Tatar found a home in New Jersey during a transitional period for the franchise, contributing to their push toward playoff contention. Bahl, meanwhile, was a product of the Devils’ patient approach to player development, though the team ultimately decided to move on from him to address other roster needs. The article speculates on whether either player could return to the Devils in some capacity, though it seems unlikely given the team’s current direction and roster construction. Instead, both Tatar and Bahl are left to navigate an uncertain future, hoping for a last-minute opportunity to join a team before the regular season begins.

Ultimately, the article paints a sobering picture of the realities of professional hockey, where even talented and experienced players can find themselves on the outside looking in. It underscores the competitive nature of the NHL, where roster spots are limited, and the window of opportunity can close quickly. For Tomas Tatar and Kevin Bahl, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can continue their careers in the league or if they will need to explore other paths to keep playing the game they love. Their stories serve as a reminder of the transient nature of professional sports, where past achievements and potential are no guarantee of future security.

Read the Full The Hockey News - New Jersey Devils Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/2-former-devils-still-looking-141638799.html ]

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2 Former Devils Still Looking For New Homes

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