The New Jersey Devils are opening their preseason schedule with a rare split-squad format today, giving fans a chance to see both the team’s established stars and emerging prospects in action. One group will take the ice at Prudential Center in Newark against the Washington Capitals at 3:00 PM EDT, while the other squad travels to Quebec City to face the Ottawa Senators at the Videotron Centre at the same time.
The home squad is expected to feature the Devils’ top forwards and veteran players, closely resembling the lineup fans will see during the regular season. Leading the charge are Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, supported by Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, Ondrej Palat, Dawson Mercer, and Evgenii Dadonov. Other forwards rounding out the group include Connor Brown, Paul Cotter, Cody Glass, and Nathan Legare. On the blue line, Dougie Hamilton anchors the defense with Jonas Siegenthaler, Simon Nemec, Brenden Dillon, Brett Pesce, Jackson van de Leest, Topias Vilen, and Dmitri Osipov. Goalies Jacob Markstrom, Georgi Romanov, and Jeremy Brodeur are expected to split duties between the pipes.
Meanwhile, the road squad traveling to Ottawa offers a closer look at the Devils’ younger players and those competing for roster spots. Forwards in this group include Shane Lachance, Matyas Melovsky, Lenni Hämeenaho, Luke Glendening, Brian Halonen, Thomas Bordeleau, Kevin Rooney, Cam Squires, Angus Crookshank, Juho Lammikko, Xavier Parent, Jonathan Gruden, and Mike Hardman. Defensemen on the ice will feature Dennis Cholowski, Calen Addison, Ethan Edwards, Austin Strand, Colton White, Mikaël Diotte, Jeremy Hanzel, and Luke Reid. Goaltending responsibilities are shared among Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and Jakub Malek, giving fans a preview of potential depth options for the season.
The Devils are entering the preseason while managing a few roster challenges. Marc McLaughlin remains sidelined, while Calen Addison and Ethan Edwards have recently returned to the lineup following injuries. In addition, discussions continue around defenseman Dougie Hamilton and his potential involvement in trade talks as the team balances cap space and roster construction. Restricted free agent Luke Hughes is reportedly a priority for contract negotiations, with the team working toward a new deal to keep him in Newark.
Beyond the current roster, the Devils organization is also celebrating former players moving into coaching roles. John Quenneville, a former first-round pick for New Jersey, has embarked on a coaching career as an assistant for the Binghamton Black Bears of the FPHL, continuing the Devils’ tradition of alumni contributing to the sport off the ice.
These preseason games offer fans a glimpse of both the present and future of the Devils franchise. From the star-studded home lineup to the young prospects battling for NHL spots on the road, the split-squad format ensures that every player has a chance to make an impression before the regular season kicks off. For ongoing updates, analysis, and coverage of the New Jersey Devils throughout the preseason and regular season, Explore New Jersey provides in-depth reporting on New Jersey Devils news.
