Devils Acquire Brian Dumoulin from Ducks Before Trade Deadline

NEWARK, N.J. — March 6, 2025 — The New Jersey Devils made a significant move ahead of the NHL trade deadline, acquiring defenseman Brian Dumoulin from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a 2025 second-round draft pick and prospect winger Herman Träff. The trade underscores the Devils’ push for the playoffs despite a challenging injury situation, including the recent season-ending surgery of star center Jack Hughes.

Dumoulin, 33, is in the final year of a two-year, $6.3 million contract, which the Ducks are subsidizing by retaining 50 percent of his salary. The veteran defenseman has recorded 16 points (two goals, 14 assists) and 91 blocked shots in 61 games this season. His experience and leadership are viewed as assets to bolster New Jersey’s defensive corps.

“He’s a veteran defenseman, he has experience with winning and he’s a reliable and consistent defender,” said Devils coach Sheldon Keefe. “He’s got size and length but also skates well and can move the puck well.”

Dumoulin, who played a pivotal role in winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins, expressed enthusiasm about joining the Devils. “I haven’t played with too many of these guys but I know how fast they are and they’re a hard team to play against. I look forward to joining this group.”

Selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft, Dumoulin has accumulated 171 career points across 687 regular-season games with the Ducks, Kraken, and Penguins. His track record in the playoffs includes 25 points in 81 games.

The Devils find themselves third in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 33-24-6, buoyed by their solid performance this season. However, with injuries affecting their lineup, the acquisition of Dumoulin becomes vital. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton is out following an injury sustained in a recent game, while Jonas Siegenthaler is on long-term injured reserve.

The move signals the Devils are committed to maintaining their playoff position amid adversity. General manager Tom Fitzgerald previously indicated the need for depth on defense, and Dumoulin’s arrival aims to address that gap.

A second-round pick in the 2025 Draft signifies that New Jersey remains committed to building for the future. The Ducks, meanwhile, will hope that Träff, a 19-year-old prospect with excellent size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) and impressive skating ability, develops into a useful player.

“Brian was good for us both on and off the ice, and we wish him well in New Jersey,” said Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek. “This wasn’t an easy decision for us, but we felt this allows more opportunity for our young defensemen.”

The NHL trade deadline is set for March 8, and teams are rapidly assessing their needs and strategies as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.