The New Jersey Devils enter September with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty as training camp approaches. With the first practices set for September 17, storylines are piling up fast: unsigned restricted free agent Luke Hughes, a wave of professional tryout players, injuries that need monitoring, and the constant swirl of trade speculation surrounding Quinn Hughes. All of this comes against the backdrop of a team determined to establish itself as a true contender in the Metropolitan Division.
The Devils made news this week by announcing four signings to professional tryouts (PTOs), including a reunion with former Devil Kevin Rooney. These players will look to make an impression beginning with rookie camp, which opens September 10, before joining the veterans later in the month. PTOs are rarely headline-grabbing moves, but they can provide depth and competition, and sometimes they result in a permanent roster spot for a hungry player who shines.
Meanwhile, the injury picture remains important to monitor. Key names such as Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Dougie Hamilton all missed stretches of last season, and their health is essential for the Devils’ hopes this year. Jesper Bratt, recovering from a shoulder issue, is expected to be ready for camp, while Hischier continues to heal from a lower-body injury. Defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic is not expected to be available for Opening Night, but Jack Hughes, despite spending part of last season on long-term injured reserve, is on track to participate fully in camp. With health restored across the lineup, the Devils should field a roster much closer to the dynamic group that surged into playoff contention two years ago.
Beyond the roster battles, the most dramatic storyline remains the unresolved contract of Luke Hughes. The 21-year-old defenseman, the youngest of the Hughes brothers, has yet to sign a new deal. The Devils front office, led by general manager Tom Fitzgerald, reportedly prefers either a three-year bridge deal or a full eight-year extension. The Hughes camp, represented by veteran agent Pat Brisson, is seeking to maximize both term and salary. This standoff has become the defining subplot of the offseason, and it has left Devils fans anxiously refreshing their feeds each day.
The timing of Luke Hughes’ deal matters not only for the present roster but also for the long-term strategy of potentially reuniting the Hughes brothers in New Jersey. Quinn Hughes’ name has repeatedly surfaced in speculation, but insiders believe a trade is not imminent. Still, the idea of all three brothers playing in Newark is a dream scenario that continues to capture the imagination of the fan base.
While front-office negotiations dominate headlines, the team also has hockey to play. Preseason opens September 21 at Prudential Center against the rival New York Rangers, a matinee puck drop at 1:00 p.m. that will mark the first true test of training camp. The preseason slate includes three home games and four on the road, wrapping up October 4 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Fans will get their first look at prospects, PTOs, and returning stars as the Devils begin to shape their roster.
Another point of pride for the franchise this month came off the ice. Two Devils legends, Zach Parise and Scott Gomez, were inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Both were foundational figures during their time in New Jersey, and their honors are a reminder of the Devils’ rich history of success and the standard the current team is chasing.
The Metropolitan Division is expected to be in flux this season, with some traditional powerhouses in decline and younger teams on the rise. That gives the Devils an opportunity, but also a challenge. A healthy lineup, clarity around Luke Hughes’ contract, and smart roster decisions out of training camp will be critical if the team hopes to finish among the division’s top three.
The Devils have a roster capable of exciting hockey, and with a passionate fan base ready to fill Prudential Center, expectations remain high. The weeks ahead — rookie camp, training camp, and preseason — will set the tone for what could be one of the most important seasons in recent memory. For continuing coverage of the team and more updates around the Garden State, visit Explore New Jersey’s Devils section
