The New Jersey Devils continue to dominate late summer headlines as the organization prepares for training camp and the 2025–26 NHL season. Between prospect news, roster developments, and a major recognition for one of the Devils’ brightest young forwards, there’s no shortage of excitement surrounding the team.
One of the biggest stories came on August 26, when the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) revealed the list of prospects invited to the 2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase. Among those named was Devils forward Cam Squires, a promising young talent who will now have the opportunity to represent the franchise on one of the biggest stages for NHL rookies.
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Cam Squires Earns NHLPA Rookie Showcase Invite
The NHLPA Rookie Showcase is one of the most prestigious annual events for incoming NHL players. It serves as the central photo and video shoot used by the league, trading card companies, and major promotional outlets. Being invited means that Squires is not only seen as an important piece of the Devils’ future, but also as a player expected to make an impression on the larger hockey community.
For the Devils, having Squires recognized alongside top rookies from around the league reinforces the strength of their prospect pipeline, which has consistently been ranked among the top half of the NHL. Squires’ selection highlights how the Devils continue to develop NHL-ready talent while aiming to transition from playoff contender to championship threat.
Around the Prospect Pool
Beyond Squires’ showcase honor, New Jersey’s prospect group has remained in the spotlight throughout the summer:
- Sigge Holmgren, selected by the Devils as a low-risk, high-reward pick, has continued to draw attention for his development and potential.
- The Devils’ official channels have highlighted profiles of emerging prospects such as Viktor Hurtig, Shane Lachance, and Cam Squires, giving fans a closer look at the organization’s future.
- At the World Junior Summer Showcase, Devils prospect Ben Kevan turned heads with a highlight-reel goal against Team Canada. Performances like this keep New Jersey fans optimistic about the organization’s long-term scoring depth.
The combination of high-end defensive prospects like Simon Nemec, Anton Silayev, and Luke Hughes with forwards such as Squires, Kevan, and Arseni Gritsyuk ensures that the Devils’ prospect pool remains both balanced and competitive.
Late Summer Devils News
While prospects continue to draw attention, the main roster storylines are just as intriguing:
- Jesper Bratt is expected to be ready for training camp after undergoing shoulder surgery in May—a major boost for the Devils’ top six.
- Jonathan Kovacevic’s current injury has opened up opportunities for young defensemen, particularly Nemec and Seamus Casey, to prove they can handle more NHL minutes.
- Arseni Gritsyuk has officially joined the organization and has expressed his desire to play alongside either Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier. His offensive skillset could make him an impact addition.
- Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, both acquired in free agency, are set to bolster the Devils’ bottom-six depth, while goaltender Jake Allen re-signed to form a tandem with newcomer Jacob Markstrom.
- Depth defenseman Dennis Cholowski signed a one-year extension and will aim to carve out a larger role.
On the calendar:
- Prospects Challenge (Sept. 11–15) – The Devils will face off against the Blue Jackets, Sabres, and Bruins prospects.
- Rookie Training Camp opens Sept. 10, followed by veterans reporting Sept. 17.
Roster Outlook and Season Expectations
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has focused on creating depth throughout the roster, particularly among the bottom six forwards. While the team is loaded with young defensive talent, questions remain about whether New Jersey needs one more elite-level winger to maximize Jack Hughes’ offensive potential.
With $6.2 million in cap space and a crucial Luke Hughes contract still unsigned, the front office will need to manage the salary cap carefully before the regular season begins.
As of now, the Devils are ranked 12th in the NHL’s prospect pipeline rankings, but with Nemec, Silayev, and Hughes forming a young defensive core and offensive players like Squires and Gritsyuk pushing for NHL spots, the future remains bright in Newark.
The goal for 2025–26 is clear: the Devils want to move beyond being just a playoff team and into the territory of true Stanley Cup contenders.
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✅ With Cam Squires earning national recognition, key prospects excelling, and the roster nearly set for training camp, the Devils enter September with optimism and momentum.
Top prospects making strides
- Anton Silayev (D): The team’s 2024 first-round pick continues to be seen as the Devils’ top prospect, even after visa issues prevented him from attending the summer development camp. The 6’7″ Russian defenseman’s impressive KHL performance and skating ability for his size have generated significant buzz.
- Mikhail Yegorov (G): Another 2024 draft pick, Yegorov had an outstanding year with Boston University, posting a .927 save percentage and leading the team to the national championship game. The 6’5″ goalie is considered one of the top goalie prospects in the league and is expected to shine in his first full NCAA season.
- Lenni Hämeenaho (RW): The 2023 second-round pick is a candidate to make the opening night roster after a productive season in Finland’s Liiga, where he was the league’s second-highest scorer among U-21 players. He has improved his skating and will compete for a spot in training camp.
- Seamus Casey (D): After splitting last season between the Devils and the Utica Comets, Casey will compete for a permanent spot on the NHL roster. The offensive-minded defenseman improved his defensive awareness and consistency in the AHL.
2025 draft picks in the spotlight
- Conrad Fondrk (C): The 50th overall pick was unable to skate at development camp while recovering from a fibula injury. He is headed to Penn State, where his heavy shot and two-way responsibility will get the chance to develop.
- Ben Kevan (RW): Kevan, drafted 63rd overall, will attend Arizona State University. He showcased his high-end skill during the World Junior Summer Showcase, including a highlight-reel snipe against Canada.
- Trenten Bennett (G): The tallest player at development camp at 6’8″, the fourth-round pick from the 2025 draft drew significant attention. The young goalie got the chance to meet his idol, Devils legend Martin Brodeur, at camp.
Summer news and development camp highlights
- Development Camp: The camp, led by Director of Player Development Meghan Duggan, provided the coaching staff with their first look at the 2025 draft class. All seven 2025 draftees attended, though Silayev and Karpovich missed due to visa issues, and Fondrk was sidelined with an injury.
- Forward Depth: Following the camp, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald highlighted several young forwards who will compete for roster spots in training camp, including Arseniy Gritsyuk, Shane Lachance, and Brian Halonen.
- Forward Restocking: The Devils focused on restocking their forward pipeline during the 2025 draft, adding multiple centers to a depth chart that had thinned in recent seasons.
Rookie Showcase highlights
The Devils will participate in the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo from September 5–9, 2025. This tournament will provide the first look at the team’s promising new talent against prospects from the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, and Montreal Canadiens. Key players to watch include:
- Shane Lachance: Fresh off a full season with the Utica Comets, the power forward will continue to push for an NHL roster spot.
- Ben Kevan: The 2025 second-rounder, known for his offensive talent, will play against top competition before heading to Arizona State.
- Mikhail Yegorov: After an impressive NCAA season, the highly-touted goalie will get a chance to face other NHL prospects.
