The New Jersey Devils are heading into the 2025-26 NHL season with a roster that looks different—yet still very dangerous—after a busy summer of trades, free-agent signings, and contract negotiations. With the puck set to drop in early October, the Devils are determined to shake off last season’s ups and downs and return to Stanley Cup contention.

Devils Fans: The Season Starts Now – Black and Red Membership Open House Set for August 27

Summer may be winding down, but for New Jersey Devils fans, the real excitement is about to begin. With puck drop for the 2025-26 NHL season just over a month away, the countdown to the first roar at Prudential Center is officially on. Before the action hits the ice, fans have a unique opportunity to get even closer to the team—starting with the Black and Red Membership Open House on Wednesday, August 27.

Experience What It Means to Be Part of the Devils Family

The Black and Red Membership isn’t just a ticket package—it’s your VIP pass to a season filled with unforgettable moments, exclusive events, and special perks designed for the most passionate Devils supporters. The Open House is your chance to see exactly what it’s all about, meet with team representatives, and explore how membership can take your fan experience to the next level.

Special Open House Perks

Fans attending the August 27 event will enjoy two major bonuses:

Two complimentary tickets to a 2025-26 preseason game, giving you an early glimpse at the Devils’ revamped roster in action.
A photo opportunity with an official Devils Stanley Cup banner, a perfect keepsake for any fan’s collection.

Black and Red Membership Benefits

Membership comes with a full lineup of advantages that go beyond the regular season:

6-Part Interest-Free Payment Plan – Spread out your investment with no added fees.
Ticket Swap & Buyback Programs – Enjoy flexibility when scheduling conflicts arise.
Exclusive Member Events – From meet-and-greets to behind-the-scenes experiences.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Priority – Lock in your spot when the postseason begins.

Can’t Make the Open House?

No problem—Devils sales representatives are ready to connect with you at your convenience. A quick message is all it takes to arrange a one-on-one meeting and learn how to join the Black and Red family.

Why Now Is the Time to Join

The Devils enter the 2025-26 season with a stacked roster, high expectations, and a fan base that’s hungrier than ever. Whether you’ve been coming to games for decades or are just starting your journey as a Devils supporter, a Black and Red Membership puts you at the heart of the action. From the first drop of the puck in October to the electric atmosphere of playoff hockey, this is your ticket to being part of every moment.

Learn more and secure your place in the Devils family at Explore New Jersey’s New Jersey Devils section.

Timo Meier’s Devils Journey: From Inconsistency to Potential Breakout

When Timo Meier arrived from the San Jose Sharks at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, Devils fans envisioned a scoring force who could dominate alongside the Hughes brothers. His first full season in New Jersey, however, was a mix of big goals, cold streaks, and flashes of elite play. Now, with another training camp ahead and the roster bolstered, the Devils are counting on Meier to deliver consistently and become the power forward they believed they were getting.

The Schedule: Opening with Division Fireworks

The NHL released the Devils’ 2025-26 regular season schedule in mid-July, and the opening week is loaded with marquee matchups.

Oct. 9, 2025: Season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes (away)
Oct. 10, 2025: Home opener at the Prudential Center vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs

Fans won’t have to wait long for intensity—the Devils’ first month includes several rivalry games that could set the tone for the entire season.

The Luke Hughes Contract Saga

One of the biggest off-ice storylines is the contract status of Luke Hughes. The young defenseman is a restricted free agent, and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has labeled his extension the team’s top priority.

Negotiations, however, have reportedly hit a snag. Hughes is expected to command an average annual value (AAV) close to his brother Jack’s $8 million deal. As of August 10, he’s one of just two Devils RFAs left unsigned. With training camp approaching, fans are eager for resolution—especially since Hughes underwent shoulder surgery this offseason but is expected to be ready on time.

Departures That Will Be Felt

The summer saw several familiar faces move on:

Tomas Tatar → EV Zug (Switzerland)
Nathan Bastian → Dallas Stars
Curtis Lazar → Edmonton Oilers
Daniel Sprong → CSKA Moskva (KHL)
Brian Dumoulin → Los Angeles Kings
Erik Haula → Nashville Predators (trade for Jeremy Hanzel + 2025 4th-round pick)

Each of these exits opens opportunities for younger players and new signings to step up.

New Faces and Key Re-Signings

The Devils were active in free agency and contract renewals, addressing both depth and specialized roles:

Jake Allen re-signed (5 years, $1.8M/year) to lock in a dependable goaltending tandem with Jacob Markstrom.
Connor Brown signed (4 years, $12M) to add bottom-six grit, speed, and penalty-kill expertise.
Evgenii Dadonov signed (1 year, $1M) to provide scoring depth.
Cody Glass re-signed (2 years, $5M) for center depth.
Dennis Cholowski (1 year, $775K) and Calen Addison (1-year, two-way) add defensive depth.
Angus Crookshank and Nathan Légaré re-signed to bolster forward depth.

Injury Updates: Key Players on the Mend

The Devils were banged up at the end of the 2024-25 season, but there’s good news:

Luke Hughes (shoulder surgery) – Expected ready for camp
Jesper Bratt (shoulder surgery) – Expected ready for camp
Jack Hughes (shoulder surgery) – On track for start of season
Brenden Dillon (neck injury) – Probable for season start
Dougie Hamilton – Missed end of last season but expected back

If all return healthy, the Devils could ice one of the deepest lineups in the East.

Coaching Changes and Rising Prospects

The coaching staff saw turnover as Ryan McGill and Chris Taylor were not renewed. The team added Brad Shaw as an assistant coach, bringing defensive structure and penalty-kill expertise.

On the prospect side, Simon Nemec is being pegged as a breakout candidate. The smooth-skating defenseman could see increased minutes, especially if injuries hit the blue line again.

Off-Ice News: A Stanley Award and Possible Rivalry Shifts

The Devils were recognized with a Stanley Award on July 24, 2025, a nod to their organizational excellence off the ice. Meanwhile, rumblings about potential NHL division realignment could alter some of New Jersey’s traditional rivalries—a development fans will watch closely.

The Big Picture

From high-profile roster moves to health updates and contract negotiations, the Devils have set themselves up for an intriguing 2025-26 campaign. The mix of proven stars, new additions, and hungry prospects should keep the Prudential Center rocking all season long.

For more updates, deep dives, and exclusive coverage of your favorite team, visit Explore New Jersey’s New Jersey Devils page.