Questions Facing the New Jersey Devils in 2025-26

The New Jersey Devils enter the 2025-26 season with high expectations—and just as many question marks. After a rollercoaster year capped by an early playoff exit, management and fans alike know that this roster is talented enough to make noise in the Eastern Conference. But as with any team trying to take the next step, a few critical unknowns hang over the Devils heading into training camp.

From the health of Jack Hughes to blue line depth concerns and the emergence of top prospects, let’s dive into the three biggest questions surrounding the Devils this season.

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Can Jack Hughes Stay Healthy?

There’s no way around it: the Devils’ success runs through Jack Hughes. Since breaking into the NHL in 2019, Hughes has proven himself as one of the most dynamic playmakers in hockey. Yet, injuries have often robbed him—and the Devils—of a full season of dominance.

The numbers tell the story: Hughes has only played more than 62 games once in his career, back in 2022-23 when he racked up 99 points and helped push New Jersey into the second round of the playoffs. Since then, his shoulder issues have been a recurring nightmare. Last year, he missed 25 games—including the entire playoff series—after undergoing shoulder surgery in March.

The silver lining? Both shoulders have now been surgically repaired, and the team believes he’s stronger and more physically mature than ever. If Hughes can stay on the ice, the Devils instantly become a dangerous team capable of outscoring anyone. If not, they’ll once again be forced to navigate long stretches without their best player.

Who Steps Up for the Injured Johnathan Kovacevic?

One of Tom Fitzgerald’s biggest moves last season was locking in Johnathan Kovacevic to a five-year, $20 million contract. Unfortunately, a knee injury suffered during the playoffs means the 28-year-old won’t be available to start the 2025-26 campaign.

That leaves a big hole on the right side of New Jersey’s defense—a hole that could be filled by youth.

The two leading candidates are Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey, both former high draft picks with very different skill sets. Nemec, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, has already shown he can thrive in big moments, including his double-overtime playoff winner last spring. Casey, meanwhile, is a smooth-skating, offensively gifted defenseman who impressed in both the AHL and a short NHL stint last season.

This is the kind of opportunity that can accelerate a young defenseman’s career. Whether Nemec grabs the job outright or Casey pushes his way into the conversation, how New Jersey fills Kovacevic’s minutes will shape their early-season identity.

Which Prospects Will Break Through?

New Jersey’s pipeline remains one of the most exciting in the NHL, and this year’s training camp could be a showcase for several names Devils fans will want to know.

• Arseniy Gritsyuk – A creative winger with KHL experience, Gritsyuk brings top-nine upside and will be adapting to the North American game for the first time.
• Lenni Hämeenaho – A steady two-way winger out of Finland who thrives around the net and could develop into a perfect complement for one of the Devils’ star centers.
• Shane Lachance – A 6-foot-5 forward with net-front presence, acquired in a trade from Edmonton, who adds a different dimension of size and physicality.

Forwards like these could give head coach Sheldon Keefe more lineup flexibility and secondary scoring depth. If even one of them sticks out of camp, the Devils’ depth chart gets that much stronger.

Bonus Question: Can Ondrej Palat Bounce Back?

Beyond the rookies and injuries, the Devils also need more from their veterans—most notably Ondrej Palat. Since arriving from Tampa Bay, Palat’s production has dipped well below expectations for a $6 million cap hit. While he remains a respected locker room presence, his declining metrics have left fans frustrated.

That said, Palat’s playoff showing alongside Nico Hischier and Timo Meier reminded everyone why he was brought to New Jersey in the first place. If he can adjust into more of a third-line role—providing net-front grit, secondary scoring, and penalty-killing reliability—the Devils could get meaningful value from the veteran in what may be his final years in Newark.

The Bottom Line

The 2025-26 New Jersey Devils are built to compete. They have elite forwards, a growing defensive core, and a handful of top prospects knocking at the door. But the answers to a few key questions—Jack Hughes’ health, the replacement for Kovacevic, and which rookies are ready for primetime—will ultimately determine if this is the year New Jersey takes the next step toward becoming a perennial contender.

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