Tuna’s back. In another move to solidify their depth up front, the Devils signed Tomas Tatar to a one-year deal worth $1.8 million.

It will be his second stint as a Devil. Originally, Tatar played for them for two seasons from 2021-22 to 2022-23. It was in his second year that he had some success.

On a team that reached the playoffs, he recorded 20 goals and 28 assists in 82 games. Forty-four of his 48 points came at even strength, including 19 goals. He wasn’t as successful in the postseason, only tallying a goal over 12 games.

Last summer, Devils team president and general manager Tom Fitzgerald opted not to re-sign him. The cap was different,  which factored in. Instead, Tatar signed with the Avalanche. After struggling to establish himself, he was dealt to the Kraken. He fared better by posting eight goals and seven assists in 43 contests.

Now 33, Tatar is looking to bounce back in 2023-24. He’ll see familiar faces when he returns to Newark. Most likely a bottom six forward, he joins recent pickups Paul Cotter and Stefan Noesen. All three are solid additions that should bolster secondary scoring.

With Fitzgerald also remaking the blue line by signing both Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon, the Devils have improved their chances of returning to the playoffs. Jacob Markstrom is the new starting goalie with Jake Allen backing up.

Dawson Mercer is a key restricted free agent. He’s due a raise. The Devils currently have less than five million dollars in cap space. It’ll be interesting to see what they decide to do with Mercer. His entry-level contract expired following the season. He wasn’t as consistent in Year 3 finishing with 20 goals, 13 assists, and a minus-25 rating.

In what amounted to a disappointing season for the team, chalk it up to how things went. With Sheldon Keefe the new coach and a different roster, the Devils expect to be much better.