2025-26
Record: 42-37-3, 87 points, 7th in Metropolitan Division
Playoffs: Missed Stanley Cup Playoffs
Key Losses
GM – Tom Fitzgerald (Fired), D – Simon Nemec (Trade w/ CAL), F – Maxim Tsyplakov (Trade w/ CAL), G – Jacob Markstrom (Trade w/ FLA), F – Paul Cotter (VAN)
Key Additions
GM – Sunny Mehta (Hired), Declan Chisholm (Trade w/ WAS), F – Evan Rodrigues (Trade w/ FLA), F – Jesper Boqvist (Trade w/ FLA), G – David Rittich (Signed via FA), F – Anthony Mantha (Signed via FA)
2026-27 Preview
Will the Goaltending be Good Enough?
The New Jersey Devils made a significant change in goal this offseason, moving on from Jacob Markström by trading him to the Florida Panthers and signing veteran goaltender David Rittich to a one-year contract. The move clears the path for Jake Allen to take over as the team’s primary starter heading into the 2026-27 season.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Markström posted a 23-19-1 record in 44 games, along with a 3.07 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage. Meanwhile, Allen appeared in 37 games and recorded a 17-17-2 record, a 2.74 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage. Rittich, who spent the season with the New York Islanders, finished with a 14-10-3 record in 30 appearances, posting a 2.76 goals-against average and an .894 save percentage.
Based on the numbers, Rittich’s addition could provide the Devils with a more reliable backup option than they previously had. While it is unusual to see a backup goaltender appear to provide an upgrade over a former starter, Rittich’s consistency and ability to handle a significant workload could prove valuable for New Jersey.
The bigger question will be whether Allen can establish himself as a dependable No. 1 option. If the Devils receive strong goaltending from Allen and solid support from Rittich, the changes in net could ultimately benefit a team looking to take the next step in the Eastern Conference.
Has the Locker Room Healed From the Hughes Ordeal?
During the 2025-26 season, one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Devils was their reported pursuit of Quinn Hughes, the older brother of Jack and Luke Hughes. The possibility of bringing all three Hughes brothers together in New Jersey generated significant excitement, but the situation also created unexpected tension within the organization.
While the failed attempt to acquire Quinn Hughes may not have been the sole reason behind Tom Fitzgerald’s eventual departure as general manager, the way the situation unfolded drew criticism. Players who were reportedly involved in potential trade scenarios learned about the discussions through social media, creating uncertainty within the locker room. Additionally, Jack Hughes’ visible disappointment over the team not acquiring his brother added another layer of pressure to an already complicated situation.
With Sunny Mehta now taking over as general manager, the Devils are attempting to move forward and refocus on building a winning culture. However, questions remain about whether the organization has fully moved past the drama surrounding the Hughes pursuit and whether the locker room has regained its stability.
The Devils’ success in the 2026-27 season will depend not only on their performance on the ice but also on their ability to maintain a united locker room and ensure that the focus remains on team success rather than unresolved offseason storylines.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Timo Meier — Nico Hischier — Dawson Mercer
Jesper Bratt — Jack Hughes — Connor Brown
Arseny Gritsyuk — Cody Glass — Anthony Mantha
Jesper Boqvist — Nick Bjugstad — Evan Rodrigues
Defense
Jonas Siegenthaler — Dougie Hamilton
Luke Hughes — Brett Pesce
Brenden Dillon — Johnathan Kovacevic
Goalies
Jake Allen
Nico Daws
Scratches/LTIR
Stefan Noesen (Lower Body)