Nathan Bastian's 2024-25 season with the New Jersey Devils can be described as a mix of physicality and limited offensive output. The 27-year-old right winger played in 59 regular-season games, contributing 4 goals and 6 assists for a total of 10 points. He also played in all five of the Devils' playoff games, averaging 11:36 of ice time.
Bastian is known more for his physical style of play than his scoring prowess. In the 2024-25 season, he recorded 138 hits. Bastian consistently delivers a high number of hits, having surpassed 135 hits in four of his six NHL seasons. He also isn't afraid to engage with some of the league's toughest players, finishing the season with 31 penalty minutes. According to Elite Prospects, Bastian's skills include hitting (18), strength (17), shooting accuracy (15), and defensive abilities (14).
Bastian's average time on ice during the 2024-25 season was 10:56. He also contributed on special teams, averaging 0:09 on the power play and 0:42 while shorthanded. This was the first season in his career where he managed to score a shorthanded goal, a power-play goal, and a game-winning goal.
The Devils drafted Bastian in the second round (41st overall) in 2016. After spending time in the AHL with the Binghamton Devils, he eventually became a regular in the NHL lineup. There was a brief period where he was lost to the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft but was later reclaimed by New Jersey after being placed on waivers. Over his NHL career, Bastian has played 264 games with the Devils.
Despite his desire to remain with the New Jersey Devils, Bastian was not offered a new contract this summer. He expressed a strong connection to the team, noting that he was the longest-tenured player in the organization. Ultimately, the Devils decided to move in a different direction.
Bastian signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Dallas Stars on August 9, 2025. The Stars hope that Bastian will bring size and physicality to their bottom six. Dallas was near the bottom in the league for hits last season, so he could be a valuable asset. The Stars may also benefit from a motivated player looking to prove his worth on a "prove-it" deal.
