The New Jersey Devils are gearing up for the 2025-26 NHL season with no shortage of storylines. From roster shake-ups and Olympic recognition to injuries, trades, and big-picture questions about the team’s trajectory, Devils fans have plenty to talk about. But one nagging trend continues to hover over the franchise: their struggles in the second half of back-to-back games.
For a team that considers itself firmly in a contention window, those back-to-back records matter more than ever. Add in questions about health, depth, and consistency, and this season could prove to be a defining one for New Jersey.
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Back-to-Back Blues: A Problem the Devils Must Solve
The Devils’ performance in the second half of back-to-backs has been a sore spot for two straight seasons.
- In 2023-24, the Devils went 3-11-2, one of the worst records among playoff contenders.
- In 2024-25, they improved slightly, but only to 3-8-1.
To put that in context: most playoff teams hover around .500 or better in these situations. Nashville went 8-0-1 in 2023-24. The Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, and Capitals all managed winning records last season despite grueling schedules. New Jersey, on the other hand, stood out for the wrong reasons — they were the only Eastern Conference playoff team below .500 in back-to-back games.
This isn’t a small detail. When you’re chasing playoff positioning, those points add up. Even two or three extra wins could mean the difference between squeaking in as a wild card and entering the postseason with home-ice advantage.
Looking ahead to 2025-26, the Devils face 15 back-to-back sets. Given past struggles, even a modest target of 7-8-0 would feel like a step in the right direction. It wouldn’t be elite, but it would keep the team competitive in the standings and show they’ve learned how to grind out points in difficult circumstances.
Roster News: Signings, Trades, and Extensions
The offseason has been anything but quiet in Newark. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been busy reshaping the roster, with a mix of trades, re-signings, and depth signings aimed at keeping the Devils competitive.
Key Transactions
- Erik Haula traded to Nashville for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
- Evgenii Dadonov signed on a one-year, $1 million deal, adding veteran scoring depth.
- Jake Allen re-signed for five years at $1.8 million AAV, signaling stability — but also raising eyebrows about aging goaltending.
- Calen Addison and Thomas Bordeleau signed on two-way deals, providing flexibility and prospect upside.
- Dennis Cholowski re-signed to a one-year, one-way deal, reinforcing the blueline.
The most intriguing signing? Angus Crookshank, a restricted free agent known for his offensive creativity. While he signed a two-way contract, the Devils hope his skillset will eventually earn him a steady NHL role.
Injuries and Opportunities
Injuries are already shaping the season narrative. Captain Nico Hischier, star forward Jack Hughes, and young defensemen Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon are all working their way back from offseason issues but are listed as probable for opening night. Jesper Bratt is also recovering from a shoulder injury.
But with setbacks come opportunities. A key injury could open the door for Simon Nemec, the top defensive prospect, to seize a larger role. Meanwhile, rookie Arseniy Gritsyuk enters camp with eyes on the Calder Trophy, and his early performances will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Devils on the International Stage
The Devils will also be well-represented on the global stage. Three players have been named to Team USA’s Olympic Orientation Roster, a testament to the team’s growing reputation as a hub for young American talent.
Notably, though, Luke Hughes’ snub stirred controversy. Negative comments about his exclusion — particularly in light of his chemistry with fellow defenseman Lane Hutson — suggest this might not be the last time Hughes’ Olympic candidacy is discussed.
Trade Rumors and Contract Questions
Speculation continues to swirl around New Jersey’s roster strategy:
- Could goaltender Nico Daws be moved for additional depth?
- Did Fitzgerald miss out on acquiring a top forward from Seattle?
- Which three top-six forwards are still on the team’s radar heading into the final stretch of the offseason?
Beyond trades, there are also questions about contract extensions. With several key players nearing negotiations, fans are watching closely to see how management balances salary cap realities with keeping the core intact.
Fan Sentiment and Season Outlook
Despite concerns about health, blueline depth, and goaltending age, fan optimism remains cautiously high. The Devils’ schedule for 2025-26 has been released, and the start date has been moved up, adding urgency to training camp preparations.
Coaching changes are also in the works, and the hope is that a refreshed staff can help the Devils overcome old habits — particularly their notorious back-to-back struggles.
Ultimately, this season may come down to whether the Devils can:
- Stay healthy, especially in the top six and on defense.
- Find consistency in net with Jake Allen leading the way.
- Improve results in the second half of back-to-backs to keep pace with Eastern Conference contenders.
Final Word
The Devils have all the pieces of a playoff-caliber roster — young stars, veteran stability, and exciting prospects on the rise. But unless they can shake off the fatigue factor and capitalize on back-to-backs, they’ll continue to make their path harder than it needs to be.
For now, optimism in Newark is balanced by realism. The 2025-26 New Jersey Devils are a team with great promise, but also one facing clear challenges. The season ahead will show whether they’ve truly matured into a contender — or if they still have growing pains left to overcome.
For full coverage of the Devils’ season, roster analysis, and breaking news, visit our New Jersey Devils section
