The New Jersey Devils have some intriguing roster decisions to make this offseason, and two restricted free agents (RFAs) worth watching are forward Xavier Parent and defenseman Topias Vilen. While both players spent the bulk of their 2024-25 season with the Utica Comets, the Devils' AHL affiliate, their paths to the NHL and their playing styles couldn't be more different. Let's break down what each player brings to the table and whether they should be part of New Jersey's future plans.
Xavier Parent is the classic underdog story. Undrafted out of junior hockey, the 5-foot-6 forward had to earn every opportunity he's gotten. He started his professional career in the ECHL with the Adirondack Thunder, where he absolutely dominated, posting 51 points in 50 games. That performance earned him a 14-game call-up to Utica, where he chipped in three goals and three assists. It was enough to earn a full-time AHL spot in 2023-24, and Parent made the most of it, tallying 15 goals and 30 assists in 71 games. While his point total dipped slightly to 36 in 2024-25, he actually scored more goals (19) in 10 fewer games, showing a knack for finding the back of the net. His consistent production earned him a one-year NHL entry-level contract for the 2025-26 season.
This past season, Parent finally hit the 20-goal mark for the first time in his AHL career, finishing with 39 points in 63 games. That performance earned him a long-awaited call-up to the Devils in mid-December. Unfortunately, his five-game NHL stint was quiet—he went scoreless while averaging less than 10 minutes of ice time in four of those contests. It was a tough introduction, but opportunity was limited.
As an RFA, Parent is a strong candidate to be brought back. He's been a reliable offensive contributor for the Comets, and at age 25, he still has room to develop into a bottom-six NHL option. His speed and work ethic are undeniable, and with a bit more seasoning, he could carve out a role in New Jersey. The Devils have a history of finding gems in undrafted players, and Parent might just be the next one.