New Jersey Devils

8 Key Takeaways from Devils Breakup Day with Future Implications

On Thursday’s breakup day, a handful of New Jersey Devils reveals, including key injuries, could have future implications.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 2, 2025

James Nichols

New Jersey Devils' Johnathan Kovacevic, center, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

NEWARK–Breakup day and exit interviews are the time of the year when coaches and players reveal information they might not have in the midst of the season. That was true for the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, as we learned a lot of information that could have future implications on the organization.

Let’s dive into the quick hits.

*Editors note: There will be more in depth coverage on multiple topics presented below.

Devils Stars Unavailable

Jack & Luke Hughes: The Hughes brothers were both unavailable for exit interviews. It was explained to Devils media that they were tending to their respective injuries, thus, their absence from interviews on Thursday.

Devils Injuries Revealed

Johnathan Kovacevic: Johnathan Kovacevic was one of a handful of key Devils defenseman who were injured in the first round of the playoffs. It’s tough news. Kovacevic suffered a knee injury that requires surgery. He’ll receive it in the offseason, and does not anticipate being ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.

Brenden Dillon: Brenden Dillon is another defenseman who suffered an injury in the playoffs. Despite wanting to return to Game One, he was advised to remain out of the game. Dillon revealed it was a neck injury that he sustained, but is hopeful that he will recover in the offseason, and be 100% for training camp.

Jonas Siegenthaler: Jonas Siegenthaler returned earlier than anticipated in the playoffs. He had a choice, but the Devils didn’t when it came to asking if he could handle the expedited recovery. He agreed, and was relied on even more than initially anticipated. Siegenthaler revealed, at breakup day, the injury he sustained in the season was a foot injury. Siegenthaler should be 100% by the time training camp returns.

Brett Pesce: Brett Pesce was one of the few regular defensemen who played in each of the playoff tilts against the Hurricanes. He was, in fact, banged up, however. Pesce took maintenance days for recovery and was even a game-time decision in Game 5. He played, but after the loss and when the season was officially over, he explained he suffered a shoulder injury, also in Game One. There’s no concern Pesce won’t be 100% for training camp in the fall.

Curtis Lazar: Curtis Lazar was adamant that head coach Sheldon Keefe didn’t see him at his best in 2024-25. He revealed a season-long knee injury stopped him from playing the style of game that was so effective previously. Dissolving screws in his knee, a knee brace that was the wrong size, trouble walking down the stairs, all led to struggles to make it through the season. Lazar is a pending free-agent, so his future in New Jersey is uncertain. However, he believes he’ll be 100% by the fall, and doesn’t want to leave the Devils.

New Jersey is a Destination

Jacob Markstrom: As revealed on Thursday, Jacob Markstrom is going into the final year of his contact in 2025-26. He’s open to an extension to play in New Jersey beyond next season.

Daniel Sprong: The Devils passed up on Daniel Sprong for free when he was a free agent. They didn’t take him for nothing on the waiver wire, and then wound up trading assets for him at the NHL Trade Deadline. He showed well, however, and glowed about Sheldon Keefe being his favorite coach. The pending free agent wants to return next season to continue building on the good foundation he laid in Newark.

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