--- title: "Devils Sign Parent, Tufte, McLaughlin to One-Year Deals" description: "New Jersey locks up three forwards on league-minimum deals, keeping cap space open for future moves." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/devils-sign-parent-tufte-mclaughlin-to-one-year-contracts-ed559624 published: 2026-07-03T09:32:40.984+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T09:32:40.984+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Devils Sign Parent, Tufte, McLaughlin to One-Year Deals > New Jersey locks up three forwards on league-minimum deals, keeping cap space open for future moves. The New Jersey Devils are buying low on forward depth, finalizing one-year contracts for Xavier Parent, Riley Tufte, and Marc McLaughlin at the league-minimum $850,000 cap hit. Tufte, the lone unrestricted free agent of the bunch coming over from Boston, landed the only one-way guarantee. That means the 6-foot-5 winger gets paid his full check whether he is checking opponents in the NHL or riding buses in the AHL. Parent and McLaughlin, both restricted free agents, settled for two-way pacts, giving the Devils maximum control over their roster composition without burning cap space. This is textbook asset management. New Jersey needed to fill out the bottom of the roster and the AHL pipeline without anchoring themselves to expensive fourth-line veterans. By utilizing the league minimum, the front office keeps the books clean for potential blockbuster moves or internal extensions. It is unglamorous work, but a deep roster is the only way to survive a grueling regular season. There is no hidden superstar here, but there is utility. Tufte brings size that the Devils lack in spades, while Parent and McLaughlin provide organizational depth that prevents the team from reaching for unproven prospects during injury slumps. The one-way money for Tufte is the loudest statement here; New Jersey believes he can play at this level right now. Tufte’s arrival is particularly telling for a team that has historically struggled to match physical intensity in the dirty areas. Standing 6-foot-5, the winger brings a heavy element that has been missing from New Jersey's bottom six. He isn't going to light the lamp nightly, but his presence creates space for skilled teammates and makes life miserable for opposing defenders. It is a low-risk gamble on a player coming off a stint in Boston, hoping a change of scenery unlocks the offensive capability that justified a one-way contract. For Parent and McLaughlin, these two-way contracts serve as a challenge rather than a safety net. They are not being handed an NHL job; they are being asked to earn it while serving as the first line of defense against injuries at the top level. This internal competition is vital for a roster that needs to avoid complacency. By forcing these players to compete for every shift, the Devils ensure that their call-ups are hungry and ready to contribute immediately, rather than just filling a sweater. This strategy also insulates the Devils from the volatility of the salary cap era. By avoiding multi-year commitments for marginal talent, the front office maintains the flexibility required to navigate a compressed market. If one of these players falters in training camp, the organization can cut bait without dead money haunting the ledger for seasons to come. It is a cold calculation, treating roster spots as perishable assets rather than lifetime tenures, which is exactly how a team on the upswing must operate to maximize its championship window. Furthermore, the health of the AHL affiliate in Utica relies heavily on these types of transactions. A successful NHL pipeline requires a competitive minor league roster, and signing NHL-caliber players to two-way deals ensures the Comets are not relying solely on raw teenagers. Parent and McLaughlin will likely serve as the veteran core in Utica, providing stability for the Devils' top prospects who are still learning the professional grind. This symbiotic relationship between the two rosters is often overlooked, but it is the bedrock of sustainable contention. What's next: The heavy lifting of free agency may be slowing down, but the Devils are far from finished. With the cap space preserved by these frugal signings, the organization remains a player in the trade market and can still pounce on any remaining free agents that slip through the cracks. ## Why this matters This is smart cap gymnastics. By locking in three forwards for the price of one decent veteran, the Devils ensure their AHL affiliate is competitive and their NHL bench is sturdy. Tufte’s one-way deal is the key detail; it signals he is expected to push for an NHL roster spot immediately. It preserves the financial runway needed for the big fish still swimming in the market. ## Frequently asked ### Who signed one-way vs two-way contracts? Riley Tufte signed a one-way contract, meaning he earns his NHL salary even if sent to the minors. Xavier Parent and Marc McLaughlin signed two-way deals, meaning their pay decreases if they play in the AHL. ### How much cap space do these deals take up? Each contract carries a cap hit of $850,000, which is the NHL league minimum for the upcoming season. This minimal financial commitment allows the Devils to maintain significant salary cap flexibility. ### What were the players' statuses before signing? Xavier Parent and Marc McLaughlin were restricted free agents (RFAs), meaning the Devils retained their rights. Riley Tufte was an unrestricted free agent (UFA) previously with the Boston organization. ## Sources & Citations - [Devils sign Parent, Tufte, McLaughlin to one-year contracts](https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/new-jersey-devils-riley-tufte-xavier-parent-marc-mclaughlin-contract-signing-free-agency-one-year) — Daily Faceoff (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Devils Sign Parent, Tufte, McLaughlin to One-Year Deals. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/devils-sign-parent-tufte-mclaughlin-to-one-year-contracts-ed559624