Jets and Devils offseason paths diverge sharply in July 2026

Cole Perfetti filed for salary arbitration on July 6 2026, yet Jets officials expect an extension before the hearing.

Perfetti talks and forward additions

The Winnipeg Jets enter July with more than 21 million dollars in projected cap space according to The Hockey News. That cushion allows GM Kevin Cheveldayoff to bridge Perfetti’s current two-year deal that carries a 3.25 million AAV. Perfetti, 24, has expressed a desire to remain part of the long-term solution in his exit interview.

Cheveldayoff could simultaneously pursue unrestricted free agents Anthony Mantha, Eeli Tolvanen or Philipp Kurashev to strengthen the forward group. Each of those players would address depth needs without long-term cap commitments. In contrast, extending Morgan Barron now would lock in a player entering his final restricted year and avoid future bidding wars.

The Jets also face uncertainty around Connor Hellebuyck. Any trade that does not include a goaltender would force Cheveldayoff to secure a reliable backup before training camp. This dual-track approach of extension plus external additions differs from the prior offseason when the club relied almost exclusively on internal development.

Devils GM gains options after contract relief

New Jersey Devils GM Sonny Mehta avoided opening a second buyout window on Jacob Markstrom’s contract, preserving future flexibility. He signed Arseny Gritsyuk to a short-term bridge deal at a manageable cap hit and acquired draft picks for Simon Nemec without adding salary. These moves freed both dollars and assets.

Mehta now controls meaningful cap space and multiple draft selections. Jeff Marek reported on The Sheet that Mehta possesses several poker-like outs and is positioned to deploy them selectively. The contrast with the previous regime is clear: where earlier decisions created restrictive knots, Mehta operates with open lanes.

The Devils could therefore pursue a veteran forward, add defensive depth or stockpile further assets depending on market movement. No single path is forced, which marks a departure from the constrained choices that defined the prior two offseasons.

Arbitration clock and cap implications

The August 1 arbitration deadline creates a firm timeline for the Jets. A hearing would establish Perfetti’s value near 5.5 million AAV based on comparable deals projected by The Athletic. Avoiding that outcome preserves both cap predictability and team chemistry.

Meanwhile the Devils’ accumulated picks and space allow Mehta to respond to any sudden availability of impact players. This optionality stands in direct opposition to the Jets’ more linear need to finalize Perfetti and fill specific forward roles.

By the August 1 arbitration deadline the Jets will either sign Perfetti or set his market value near 5.5 million AAV.