New Jersey Devils News & Rumors: Mehta’s First Draft, Hischier’s Extension, & Potential Jason Robertson Trade – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils have certainly been busy in the week leading up to free agency. On Tuesday, they parted ways with Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov, receiving draft picks and prospect Etienne Morin. Then, on Thursday, they traded fourth-round picks in the 2026 and 2027 NHL Draft, acquiring forward Amadeus Lombardi and defenseman Declan Chisholm.

This installment of Devils News & Rumors breaks down Sunny Mehta’s first draft as general manager (GM), Nico Hischier’s upcoming extension, and speculation that Jason Robertson could be headed to New Jersey.

Sunny Mehta’s First Draft as GM

Heading into the 2026 Draft, fans were curious to see what Mehta’s first draft class would look like. But the GM’s selections were intentional, collaborative, and analytics-driven, focusing on players with a high projected ceiling.

Despite speculation that the Devils would trade their first-round pick, they ended up selecting Alexander Command 12th overall. A strong two-way center, Command possesses a level of defense-driven tenacity that makes him difficult to play against — even earning him comparisons to Hischier.

Our 2026 Draft Class just dropped. pic.twitter.com/fqSye0GBYz

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) June 27, 2026

The second round was a bit more exciting after trading the 35th overall pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for the 37th and 119th picks. With those selections, the Devils nabbed forwards Matias Vanhanen and Lavr Gashilov. They also took defenseman Nikita Shcherbakov 44th overall. With their fifth, sixth, and seventh round selections, they added goalie Daniil Rusakovich and centers Luke Wilfley and Quinn McKenzie.

Overall, Mehta’s first draft in the GM seat was a resounding success, adding a dynamic group of skaters that will strengthen the Devils’ prospect pool.

Nico Hischier Extension Looks Promising

Devils fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief, because all signs point to Hischier re-signing. The captain is entering the final year of his current contract, which carries a $7.25 million cap hit. Mehta has made it clear that extending the captain is a priority, which means a deal will most likely be finalized this summer. He’s eligible to sign an extension beginning July 1, but negotiations have already been in the works since late May. And now, both parties have supposedly gotten over the bulk of negotiations. 

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic wrote, “My understanding is the Devils wanted to go long term on the extension while Hischier’s camp, led by agent Allain Roy, started with a shorter-term proposition and since then, the sides have found middle ground” (from ‘NHL rumblings: Pavelski on Leafs talks, how Raddysh got done, latest on Thomas, Zacha, Ovechkin, more,’ The Athletic, 6/19/26).

Extending Hischier should be the easiest decision Mehta makes this offseason. The Devils’ captain not only contributes an elite 200-foot game, but he’s also a cornerstone and the heartbeat of New Jersey’s franchise. 

Jason Robertson Trade Remains a Possibility

One of the biggest names circulating in trade rumors this week is Jason Robertson and the Devils should not be counted out when it comes to acquiring him. The Seattle Kraken and St. Louis Blues have already made offers, but Robertson was unwilling to sign with either franchise. Could he be willing to extend with the Devils?

The team certainly has plenty of assets to offer the Dallas Stars in return. After trading Nemec and Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames, they have two future conditional first-round draft picks to use as bargaining chips.

But it would take a lot more than that to secure a superstar wing like Robertson. A proposed trade package from Jesse Courville-Lynch of The Hockey Writers included two first-round picks, two second-round picks, Dawson Mercer, and Seamus Casey.

While this may seem like quite the bounty for the Stars, the Devils should be more than happy to pay the price. Adding another top-six wing is a need that has gone unfulfilled for far too long, and Mehta should jump at the chance to make a blockbuster trade like this happen.

As the offseason continues, be sure to follow The Hockey Writers for all the latest news and updates throughout the NHL and beyond.