The New Jersey Devils Off-Season Overview
The New Jersey Devils are entering the off-season with limited players slated for free agency, particularly within their defensive lineup. Among those potentially moving on are two depth defensemen: Dennis Cholowski and Colton White. Both players contributed to the Devils this season and understand the team’s tactics, but their future with the organization is uncertain. Let’s assess their individual performances and what lies ahead for each player.
Analyzing Dennis Cholowski’s Time with the Devils
Dennis Cholowski, a depth defenseman, is set to embark on unrestricted free agency once again after having previously signed a one-year deal at the league’s minimum salary. Over the course of the 2024-25 season, he played only six games for the Devils, but appeared in a total of 39 NHL games that year, split between New Jersey and his prior team, the Islanders. In total, he accumulated three goals and seven assists, although he notably failed to score while in a Devils jersey.
As the 2025-26 season progressed, Cholowski appeared in 17 games, contributing a mere two assists. Unfortunately, his performances often suggested he was out of place in the NHL, showcasing shortcomings in both his defensive skills and overall impact. His AHL performance, recording five assists in 13 games, was slightly more favorable, yet it remains a cause for concern as it does not align with expectations for a player known for offensive capabilities.
With Cholowski approaching his late twenties, the likelihood of an upward trajectory in his performance seems slim. He may find a home in the AHL, but as competition for veteran spots increases, he could ultimately seek opportunities overseas. Given his recent performances, any future contract he secures is likely to be at the league minimum, with no significant bidding wars expected from interested teams.
Evaluating Colton White’s Contributions
Colton White returned to the Devils in 2024 following two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, after initially being drafted by New Jersey in 2015. Although he showed promise early in his career with sporadic NHL call-ups, he has struggled to secure a permanent spot in the lineup, and his time with the Ducks saw him play a career-high 46 games in a single season.
Most of White’s contributions recently have been with the AHL affiliate Utica, where he had a solid showing in the 2024-25 season with 21 points in 61 games. In the 2025-26 season, he split his time between the AHL and the NHL, appearing 30 times in the AHL and 23 in the NHL, where he tallied four assists but did not display enough defensive reliability to justify continued placement. Following a brief stint in mid-February, White was sent back down without a recall, indicating a lack of confidence in his performance by the coaching staff, particularly with injuries affecting team depth.
Like Cholowski, White finds himself at a career crossroads, and given his age, it’s unlikely he’ll evolve into a more impactful player. He, too, is expected to seek a contract at league minimum, although a more generous offer could arise if a team evaluates a need for his services.
Future Outlook for the Devils’ Defensemen
The potential for both Cholowski and White to secure contracts next season appears limited. While both could potentially receive similar offers, perhaps with a two-way contract structure to secure their positions in North America, the Devils may be better served exploring other options that better meet their defensive needs.
As new GM Sunny Mehta steps into the role, there’s an opportunity to revamp the roster, particularly the AHL affiliate crew, which has struggled. The upcoming decisions on Cholowski and White serve as a chance for the organization to push for change and improvement. It remains to be seen if either player will be re-signed, and fans will be eager to see if the front office opts to look for fresh talent to aid in their defensive depth.
Community Feedback
Devils fans and analysts are encouraged to weigh in on the futures of Cholowski and White. Should the team look to retain one or both? Or is it time to seek new talent for the defensive lineup? Share your perspectives and insights below on how you think the Devils should approach their off-season decisions!
