Inside look at New Jersey Devils

NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the New Jersey Devils.

The New Jersey Devils have bigger expectations than just qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and that's because the big trophy in the end is a very realistic goal.

"The standard has been set, expectations have been set and now it's go time," New Jersey general manager Tom Fitzgerald said.

New Jersey raised the bar last season after qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2018 and advancing to the second round for the first time since 2012. The Devils finished with the most wins (52) and points (112) in their history.

"Our goal is to play the best hockey we possibly can play for 82 games, get in the playoffs and then push to win a Stanley Cup like everybody else," Fitzgerald said.

The Devils were busy signing key free agents who made significant contributions last season but also are excited to see how defenseman Luke Hughes, who turns 20 on Sept. 9, will contribute in his first full NHL season.

"I said three years ago, we got some good kids," Fitzgerald said. "We added some men to our lineup, but now we're watching our kids turn into men and that's exciting."

Timo Meier signed an eight-year contract June 28. He could have become a restricted free agent but the 26-year-old forward, acquired by New Jersey in a trade with the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 26, bought into the Devils and everything they had to offer.

He had 14 points (nine goals, five assists) in 21 games after he was acquired from the Sharks and four points (two goals, two assists) in 11 playoff games.

"I got a good first sniff, but now you're fully committed," Meier said. "For me the moment was after the season when I had the time to reflect on the time I had in Jersey and look at the team, look at the future of this team, the area, the fanbase, the management, all those things. That's the time I realized I wanted to be (in New Jersey). That's the place I want to win a Stanley Cup."

The Devils defeated the New York Rangers in seven games in the Eastern Conference First Round but were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the second round.

Prior to retaining Meier, the Devils signed forward Jesper Bratt to an eight-year contract June 15, and forward Erik Haula to a three-year contract eight days later.

Bratt tied his NHL career high with 73 points (32 goals, 41 assists) in 82 regular-season games and had six points (one goal, five assists) in 12 postseason games.

"The loss to Carolina is going to sit with us for a pretty long time, but at the same time, I think if you take it the right way, then it's going to turn into something positive," Bratt said. "I think if you use that as motivation, in workouts and skates, it might have been a good lesson for us. But that's in the past and we're looking forward."

New Jersey acquired versatile forward Tyler Toffoli from the Calgary Flames on June 27 and defenseman Colin Miller in from the Dallas Stars on July 1. Toffoli has one season remaining on a four-year contract. Miller has one remaining on a two-year contract. The Devils also signed free agent forward Tomas Nosek to a one-year contract July 19.

"The Devils took huge strides last season, and they were definitely fun to watch," Toffoli said. "They have so much talent and it doesn't seem like they're too far off, so hopefully I can come in and help and just (do) whatever it takes to win … and it's going to be a lot of fun. That's when hockey is at its best, when you're winning games."

The core group of forwards Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Ondrej Palat, and defensemen Dougie Hamilton, John Marino and Jonas Siegenthaler were all previously signed to long-term contracts.

Defenseman Kevin Bahl signed a two-year contract July 31 and will look to build on the positive steps he took as a rookie. Defenseman Cal Foote, older brother of Devils forward Nolan Foote, signed a one-year, two way contract Aug. 9.

"New Jersey is a place where people and players want to be," Fitzgerald said. "One, because of the talent we have in a team we're building but also because it's a hidden gem. People don't really know Jersey until they get to New Jersey and understand what we have."