The 7th overall draft pick in 2038, Jesper Rylander, has won the Aleksei Cherepanov Award in the KHL for being the best rookie of the 2039/40 season. Rylander put up 12 goals and 36 assists for a total of 48 points in 57 games played, continuing his success in the european leagues. Rylander, now 19 years old, is coming from excellent seasons with Rögle in the SHL, and is now making himself a name with the Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg in the KHL. 

Mikhaltsev, a premier shutdown defenseman with strong two-way capabilities, has been a pillar on the Devils’ blue line for years. However, with only one year remaining on his contract and a lucrative payday looming, New Jersey’s front office opted to make a proactive move, securing a strong return rather than risking losing him for nothing in free agency.
 

In return, the Devils have acquired a highly valuable 2040 first-round pick in what scouts are calling a deep and talented draft class. Additionally, they secured a 2042 second-round pick, giving them another future asset to help retool the roster.

The deal also marks a reunion, as New Jersey brings back 21-year-old winger Matthew Thunder. Originally drafted by the Devils in the second round, Thunder was later moved to Tampa, where he continued his development. The pure goal-scoring winger has shown flashes of offensive upside, tallying 4 goals and 10 assists in 57 games this season. While he projects as a middle-six forward at the NHL level, his finishing ability makes him an intriguing piece for New Jersey moving forward.
 

Rounding out the trade is 18-year-old Swedish prospect Daniel Svantesson. A former sixth-round pick, Svantesson has shown promise as a versatile winger with offensive instincts. He will add depth to the Devils’ prospect pool as he continues his development overseas.
 

For Tampa Bay, the acquisition of Mikhaltsev is a clear statement that the Lightning are in full win-now mode. Adding one of the best two-way defensemen in the league solidifies their blue line and boosts their Stanley Cup aspirations. If they can extend Mikhaltsev beyond next season, this move could pay dividends for years to come.
 

Meanwhile, the Devils continue to shape their future with key draft capital and young talent, ensuring they remain competitive in the years ahead. While losing Mikhaltsev is a tough pill to swallow, this deal may prove to be a strategic win for New Jersey in the long run.

With his goal against organizational rivals the New York Rangers, Nick Falk took over the all time record of being the best goal scorer in New Jersey Devils franchise history. Nick Falk has scored 409 goals in the red jersey, and with three more years on  his deal after this season, he will also chase Patrik Elias for the total points made by a player. The current record is at 1 025, so Falk needs to put up another 203 points to take over that as well. The closest current Devil in line for competing with Elias and Falk is Marcus Trost, with 443 assists. He needs another 167 assists to take over legend Elias in that area.