The New Jersey Devils are back on the ice this week at the 2025 Prospect Challenge, taking place September 11–15 at LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo, New York. The annual tournament brings together some of the NHL’s most promising young talent, and this year the Devils’ prospects are going head-to-head with players from the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Pittsburgh Penguins. For fans eager to catch an early glimpse of the organization’s future, this showcase is a can’t-miss event and a perfect lead-up to training camp.
The Devils announced a 24-man roster that features 14 forwards, seven defensemen, and three goaltenders. Among the most notable names are defenseman Seamus Casey, a 2023 second-round pick already on the radar as NHL-ready, and forward Lenni Hämeenaho, a 2023 second-rounder who continues to generate buzz after a strong season overseas. Other players to watch include forward Cam Squires, defenseman Ethan Edwards, and goaltender Jakub Málek, each of whom has an opportunity to prove they belong in the system’s long-term plans. The roster also includes five invitees on free agent tryouts, a reminder of how competitive this stage can be for players fighting to earn recognition.
The Devils named Casey, Edwards, and Shane Lachance as alternate captains for the tournament, giving the leadership group a strong balance of defense and forward talent. Casey’s appointment comes as no surprise given his pedigree and performance; he’s widely viewed as the closest to making the leap to the NHL. Edwards, a 2020 draft pick, enters the weekend looking to solidify his place after several years of development. Lachance, meanwhile, is the lone forward in the group, and his inclusion signals the organization’s belief in his upside. The 2021 sixth-round pick signed his entry-level contract last year and ended the season with Utica, already making an impression with his offensive instincts.
The action began Thursday with a statement win, as New Jersey rolled past Columbus in an 8–2 rout. Goals came from all over the lineup—Mikael Diotte and Nathan Lecompte each scored twice, while Casey, Dylan Wendt, Brian Carrabes, and Lachance also found the back of the net. Goaltender Tyler Brennan earned the win, giving the Devils a dominant start to the showcase and plenty of momentum heading into the weekend.
Looking ahead, the Devils’ schedule includes matchups against Buffalo on Friday night and Boston on Sunday afternoon. Each opponent brings a different challenge, with Buffalo fielding one of the league’s deepest prospect pools and Boston offering a chance to measure skill against a more experienced group. Every game will serve as an important measuring stick for where the Devils’ pipeline stands. Fans can catch all games streaming live at NewJerseyDevils.com or through Sunset at Sunset-TV.com.
One of the most intriguing storylines is the play of Lenni Hämeenaho. After putting up 51 points in 58 games with Ässät in Finland’s Liiga last season, he has already drawn speculation that he could compete for an NHL roster spot sooner than expected. A strong Prospect Challenge showing could go a long way in convincing management he’s ready to provide scoring depth alongside the Devils’ established core.
The goaltending battle will also be worth monitoring. With Málek, Brennan, and recently drafted Trenten Bennett all in the mix, the organization has decisions to make about how to develop each netminder. Málek, who has been steady in Finland with Ilves, has shown consistent numbers and could be a key player for Utica this year. Brennan, meanwhile, has been working to regain momentum after uneven results, and this tournament offers a fresh start.
The Prospect Challenge is not only about evaluating talent but also about offering fans a preview of what lies ahead. For an organization that has built one of the most exciting young rosters in the NHL, the development of these players is critical. While some prospects may be a year or two away, others are closer than fans realize. That’s part of what makes this showcase so compelling—it provides an early look at the depth behind stars like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt.
For those following along in New Jersey, this tournament is another reminder of how bright the future looks for Devils hockey. From Casey’s poised play on defense to Hämeenaho’s scoring touch up front, the next wave of talent is already making its case. With the 2025–26 season around the corner, the Prospect Challenge feels like the perfect appetizer for what could be another thrilling campaign.
Stay connected with everything Devils-related, from coverage of prospects to the NHL season ahead, at Explore New Jersey’s Devils section.
