The New Jersey Devils traded for the enforcer Kurtis MacDermid, addressing their reputation as a soft team. The physical presence of MacDermid could deter opponents from roughing up star players like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.

General manager Tom Fitzgerald signed MacDermid to a three-year contract extension, signaling a shift towards adding toughness to the roster. MacDermid's impact goes beyond his statistical contributions, serving as a deterrent to opponents looking to take advantage of the Devils' lack of physicality.

While MacDermid may not be a lineup regular due to his limited offensive impact, his role in instilling a tougher identity for the Devils is crucial for the team's success in the long run.