Hockey returns to Newark as the New Jersey Devils open their 2025-26 preseason schedule against the New York Rangers at 1:00 p.m. EDT inside the Prudential Center. Fans eager to see the team on home ice for the first time this season can catch the game on MSGSN and Devils Hockey Radio, while full coverage of every Devils matchup is available through Sunset (https://Sunset-TV.com).
The start of preseason marks the first chance for supporters to see how new head coach Sheldon Keefe deploys his lineup. Training camp has only been underway for four days, but several storylines are already shaping the team’s early outlook. One of the key focuses will be sorting out the depth chart down the middle. The fourth-line center spot remains open, while Cody Glass is projected to center the third line. Dawson Mercer is expected to play on the wing in a top-six role, a shift that could unlock more offensive production.
The roster for the preseason opener is expected to be a blend of veterans and young prospects. While the Devils want to test their younger players in game situations, some big names will not dress for this matchup. Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, and Simon Nemec are all sidelined as they continue recovering from offseason shoulder surgeries. Hughes’ contract situation has added another layer of intrigue. The star forward remains an unsigned restricted free agent, and while general manager Tom Fitzgerald has made it clear a deal will get done, his absence from camp practices is less than ideal.
The Devils–Rangers rivalry never lacks intensity, even in the preseason. These contests give fans a preview of one of hockey’s most heated matchups, and though the two sides won’t see each other in the regular season until March 7, 2026, both games this week are expected to draw plenty of attention. For prospects and players on the bubble, going head-to-head with a rival roster is an opportunity to make an impression.
Among the projected line combinations, Alexander Holtz could see ice time alongside captain Nico Hischier and Timo Meier once Meier returns from injury. Marc McLaughlin is viewed as a strong candidate for a depth role at center, with training camp performances potentially earning him a regular-season roster spot. Keefe has emphasized that the preseason will be used to test combinations and evaluate fit, so lineups may shuffle as games progress.
Fans traveling into Newark for the preseason opener should plan ahead. PATH service between Harrison and Journal Square is suspended this weekend due to construction, with shuttle buses available as an alternative. Extra travel time is recommended for anyone heading to the Prudential Center, especially with a Saturday afternoon puck drop expected to draw a large crowd.
As the Devils prepare for a new season, attention remains on how management handles negotiations with Luke Hughes, another unsigned restricted free agent. Fitzgerald has reiterated that the team will sign him, but with training camp underway and valuable practice time slipping away, the urgency is increasing. The organization views Hughes as an important piece of its blue line for years to come, making the contract a top priority.
Around the league, other restricted free agents are in similar positions, but the focus in New Jersey is squarely on getting both Hughes brothers on the ice together. The younger Hughes is projected to play a significant role when signed, and the Devils are determined to ensure he is integrated into the system before the regular season begins.
The opening days of training camp also signal the return of anticipation for Devils fans. From contract negotiations to preseason lineups, the energy surrounding the organization reflects a franchise determined to build on recent progress. The combination of established stars, emerging prospects, and a new coaching staff gives this season added intrigue.
For fans who want to dive deeper into team updates, upcoming games, and the latest storylines from Newark, Explore New Jersey provides extensive coverage of the Devils throughout the season. With hockey back on the schedule, all eyes are on how this roster takes shape as the countdown to opening night begins.
