Evgenii Dadonov’s time with the New Jersey Devils may already be over. Reports out of Russia suggest the veteran winger is likely heading back to the KHL, with Traktor Chelyabinsk emerging as the expected landing spot after a difficult lone season in New Jersey.
His Devils stint never found momentum. He signed a one-year, $1 million deal for the 2025-26 season, then spent much of the year battling injuries and lineup disruptions. He played only 24 regular-season games and scored one goal, which makes a return to Russia feel like a logical next step. It also fits into the broader online casino and sportsbook conversation around Stanley Cup futures, where the Devils are listed at +3000 for the 2027 Cup, a price that reflects real respect for New Jersey’s upside but also the gap it still has to close behind the Hurricanes at +700 or +750 and the Avalanche at +700.
Dadonov’s Devils Tenure Nears The End
Dadonov entered the season as a low-cost depth addition with a track record of finishing chances and helping middle-six units. The Devils wanted his experience and versatility. Instead, they got short bursts of availability and a stop-start season that never settled in.
A hand injury in the season opener set the tone, and he missed extended time before later injury issues kept him out again. That made it hard for him to build chemistry or carve out a stable role. He did not get enough runway to justify a larger impact, and the numbers tell the story clearly. One goal in 24 games is not what New Jersey envisioned when it brought him in.
That limited production also changes the tone around his NHL future. A veteran player at this stage of his career often wants either stability or a clean reset. Russia offers both.
Devils Reload Around Him
New Jersey made several moves involving Dadonov that reshaped its roster around him. The most notable came on July 1, when the Devils signed Connor Brown to a four-year deal and added Dadonov on his one-year contract. They also brought in Cody Glass, acquired Thomas Bordeleau, and added depth around the edges as they tried to improve their middle-six balance.
Those moves showed a clear plan. The Devils wanted more speed, more penalty-killing ability, and more lineup flexibility. Brown checked those boxes. Glass and Bordeleau gave the club more options down the lineup. The rest of the summer focused on depth and internal competition, not a dramatic overhaul.
That matters because New Jersey still views itself as a team with a real window. The Devils have enough high-end talent to expect progress, but they need healthier seasons from key players and better scoring balance. Dadonov’s exit, if it happens, will not alter the core direction. It will simply close a short and frustrating chapter.
What Comes Next
The Devils should still be competitive in 2025-26, but the margin for error remains small. Their top players must drive the offense. Their goaltending has to hold up. And the new depth pieces need to contribute early, not after another slow start.
A reasonable prediction is that New Jersey lands back in the playoff hunt and puts itself in the mix for a top-three spot in the division. The roster has enough talent to win many games, but not enough depth to withstand prolonged injury losses or scoring droughts. If the Devils stay healthy, they can push toward the upper tier of the East. If they do not, they risk another season spent chasing the pack.
As for the 2027 Stanley Cup picture, the latest futures markets have the Devils at +3000. That places them behind the league’s top tier, but still within the group of teams that can move quickly with a strong season. New Jersey is not being priced like a favorite. It is being priced like a team with upside that still needs proof.
Dadonov’s likely departure would not be the headline of the offseason for New Jersey. But it would be another sign that the Devils are moving on from a move that never fully clicked. The forward brought experience, but injuries cost him the chance to make it count. That leaves both sides free to start fresh.
