Jacob Markstrom’s new two-year deal, worth $6 million annually, secures the Devils’ goaltending for the near future. The extension comes despite his uneven early-season numbers, which include a 2-2-0 record with a 5.13 goals-against average and an .830 save percentage. Fans may have mixed feelings, but the team views the deal as a low-risk move that keeps a veteran presence between the pipes while giving younger goalies like Schmid continued opportunities to develop.
The New Jersey Devils head west to take on the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. After a 4-3 home loss to the Kings on October 31, marking their first regulation defeat of the season, the Devils are looking to bounce back quickly on the road.
Game Details
- Matchup: New Jersey Devils (8-3-0) vs. Los Angeles Kings (5-3-4)
- Time: 9:00 PM ET
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Broadcast: MSGSN, ESPN+
Roster Updates and Injuries
Goaltender Jake Allen remains sidelined with an injury, leaving Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid to share duties in net. Markstrom recently signed a two-year, $12 million extension, ensuring the Devils’ crease remains stable despite a challenging start to the season. Forward Connor Brown is questionable with an undisclosed injury, and the coaching staff will monitor his availability leading up to puck drop.
Team Takeaways from Recent Games
The Devils’ narrow home defeat to the Kings highlighted the need for sharper defensive execution and consistency in offensive opportunities. Jack Hughes continues to be the team’s driving force offensively, recording a goal in the previous matchup and providing critical playmaking ability. The Devils will look to tighten up coverage in the defensive zone, improve power play efficiency, and maintain disciplined puck control to prevent turnovers that could lead to goals against.
Markstrom’s Contract Extension
Jacob Markstrom’s contract extension gives the Devils confidence heading into a heavy stretch of road games. The two-year deal, valued at $6 million per season, demonstrates the organization’s commitment to veteran stability in net while still allowing younger goaltenders like Akira Schmid to gain experience. Markstrom, who has a career of over 50 NHL starts per season since joining Vancouver in 2018-19, hopes to build momentum and guide the Devils deep into the playoffs.
Game Outlook
The Kings have shown flashes of strong play at home this season, ranking 5-3-4, but New Jersey is entering with momentum from their early-season eight-game winning streak and key players healthy and ready to compete. Special teams performance, defensive coverage, and the ability of Hughes and Dawson Mercer to capitalize on scoring chances will likely determine the outcome of this pivotal West Coast matchup.
The Devils will rely on a combination of veteran leadership, emerging young talent, and goaltending depth to navigate the road trip successfully. Fans can catch the action at 9:00 PM ET via MSGSN or ESPN+, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the high-stakes clash between two early-season playoff contenders.
