As the summer winds down and New Jersey Devils players begin making their way back to Newark for training camp, the 2025-26 NHL season is already brimming with intrigue. From superstar health concerns to unsettled contract talks, from goaltending depth to fresh faces fighting for top-line roles, this is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Devils seasons in years.
Let’s break down the biggest questions, roster developments, and offseason storylines that will define New Jersey’s push for contention.
1. Will Jack Hughes Finally Play a Full 82-Game Season?
Jack Hughes is unquestionably the engine of the Devils’ offense — but over the last two seasons, injuries have kept him from reaching his true ceiling. Shoulder issues limited him to 62 games in both 2023-24 and 2024-25, though he still managed 27 goals in each campaign.
Back in March, Hughes underwent surgery performed by Dr. Peter Millett at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. The operation was deemed a success, and early reports suggest he’ll be ready for opening night. Still, for the Devils to reach their potential, they need their franchise center healthy from October to April — and ideally well into May and June.
Simply put: a full, injury-free season from Hughes might be the single biggest X-factor in New Jersey’s playoff hopes.
2. Can the Devils’ Goaltending Depth Survive a Crisis?
General manager Tom Fitzgerald has been vocal about the importance of goaltending depth — and with good reason. The Devils will start the year with veterans Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen between the pipes, but the intrigue begins behind them.
Nico Daws, now 24, is the next in line, but if the Devils opt to carry only two goalies on the NHL roster, he’ll need to clear waivers to be sent down. Given the thin goalie market and his potential upside, another team could easily claim him — a scenario that recalls the 2021-22 season when Scott Wedgewood was lost on waivers, only for injuries to send New Jersey scrambling through seven different netminders.
If Daws is claimed, Jakub Malek, entering his first season in North America, could be thrust into the backup role. That’s a tall order for a rookie. Behind him are Tyler Brennan and Jeremy Brodeur, neither of whom has substantial NHL experience.
For a team with playoff aspirations, an injury in net could dramatically change the season’s trajectory.
3. Can Any New Additions Lock Down a Top-Six Role?
The Devils’ offseason was quieter than some fans hoped, with no marquee top-six winger signing. That opens the door for competition — and perhaps some surprises.
Evgenii Dadonov, coming off a 20-goal season, could be a fit alongside Jack Hughes. Connor Brown, meanwhile, might slide into a role with Nico Hischier, possibly replacing Stefan Noesen. And then there’s Arseniy Gritsyuk, the 24-year-old KHL standout making his NHL debut, who could add scoring punch if he adjusts quickly.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe’s training camp and preseason line combinations will tell us a lot about where these new faces fit — and whether New Jersey’s “quiet” offseason can still yield a top-six upgrade.
4. Has the Bottom-Six Puzzle Been Solved?
Depth scoring was an issue last season, and the Devils’ bottom six underwent a major overhaul. Gone are Nathan Bastian, Justin Dowling, Erik Haula, Curtis Lazar, Daniel Sprong, and Tomas Tatar.
In their place: Cody Glass (who posted a 14-goal season in Nashville in 2022-23), Paul Cotter, and Stefan Noesen, who is coming off a career-high goal total. Add Dadonov and Brown into the mix for secondary scoring, and there’s reason for optimism — especially if Dawson Mercer’s offseason strength training pays off.
Still, depth questions won’t truly be answered until the season is well underway. November or December could be the real measuring stick.
5. What Should We Expect from Arseniy Gritsyuk?
Gritsyuk’s arrival has been hyped, but patience is key. The adjustment from the KHL to the NHL is never seamless, and the Devils will likely ease him into the lineup. Having Dadonov as a fellow Russian veteran should help his transition both on and off the ice.
Fans dreaming of immediate stardom might need to temper expectations — but given his speed, creativity, and scoring ability, Gritsyuk could become a fan favorite if given time.
6. The Luke Hughes Contract Watch
One of the most talked-about offseason storylines has nothing to do with trades or signings — and everything to do with keeping one of the franchise’s cornerstone players.
Defenseman Luke Hughes, coming off a stellar sophomore season, is still without a contract extension. GM Tom Fitzgerald has repeatedly called this his top priority, with both sides reportedly pursuing a long-term deal, likely seven years.
So why the delay? Hughes is a restricted free agent with no arbitration rights and ineligible for an offer sheet, giving the Devils time. It’s possible they’re navigating salary cap space — the team currently has around $6.1 million available, which may be just shy of the AAV Hughes is expected to command (likely in the $8–9 million range).
Some speculate Fitzgerald could be exploring moves to clear space — from placing injured defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic on LTIR to considering trades involving higher-salary veterans.
For now, there’s no panic. Training camp doesn’t open until September 17, and Hughes could sign as late as early October without missing regular-season action.
7. Key Offseason Moves and Injury Updates
The Devils have been active in the offseason, addressing depth and signing key players.
Key offseason transactions for the Devils include the re-signing of Jake Allen to a five-year contract and the signing of free agent Connor Brown to a four-year deal. The team also signed prospects Arseni Gritsyuk and Lenni Hämeenaho to entry-level contracts, and Juho Lammikko to a one-year contract. Thomas Bordeleau was re-signed to a one-year, two-way contract. Brad Shaw was added to the coaching staff. In a trade, Erik Haula was sent to the Predators for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick. The Devils also selected seven players in the 2025 NHL Draft. Additionally, defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic was extended on a five-year contract, and Dennis Cholowski was acquired from the Islanders for Adam Beckman.
- Thomas Bordeleau: Signed to a one-year, two-way deal.
- Erik Haula Trade: Sent to Nashville for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
- Departures: Isaac Poulter (signed with Winnipeg), along with several depth forwards lost in free agency.
Injury Roundup:
- Luke Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Jack Hughes — all had shoulder surgery, expected ready for camp.
- Brenden Dillon — neck injury in playoffs, optimistic for camp.
- Johnathan Kovacevic — knee injury, may miss start of season.
Final Word: A Season Full of Potential and Unanswered Questions
The Devils closed the 2024-25 season at 42-33-7, exiting in the first round against Carolina. The goal for 2025-26 is clear: take the next step from playoff team to legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
That path will depend heavily on the health of Jack Hughes, the resolution of Luke Hughes’ contract, the ability of the bottom six to contribute, and the stability of the goaltending corps. Add in a few breakout performances from newcomers like Gritsyuk, and this could be the most exciting Devils season in recent memory.
For full team news, player profiles, and game coverage, visit Explore New Jersey’s New Jersey Devils hub all season long.
The following table provides a look at the team’s salary cap situation:
header: | RK | Player | CAP HIT |
rows:
- | RK: 1 | Player: Dougie Hamilton (D, 32) | CAP HIT: $9,000,000 |
- | RK: 2 | Player: Timo Meier (LW, 29) | CAP HIT: $8,800,000 |
- | RK: 3 | Player: Jack Hughes (C, 24) | CAP HIT: $8,000,000 |
- | RK: 4 | Player: Jesper Bratt (LW, 27) | CAP HIT: $7,875,000 |
- | RK: 5 | Player: Nico Hischier (C, 27) | CAP HIT: $7,250,000 |
- | RK: 6 | Player: Ondrej Palat (LW, 34) | CAP HIT: $6,000,000 |
- | RK: 7 | Player: Brett Pesce (D, 31) | CAP HIT: $5,500,000 |
- | RK: 8 | Player: Jacob Markstrom (G, 36) | CAP HIT: $4,125,000 |
- | RK: 9 | Player: Dawson Mercer (RW, 24) | CAP HIT: $4,000,000 |
- | RK: 10 | Player: Brenden Dillon (D, 35) | CAP HIT: $4,000,000 |
- | RK: 11 | Player: Johnathan Kovacevic (D, 28) | CAP HIT: $4,000,000 |
- | RK: 12 | Player: Jonas Siegenthaler (D, 28) | CAP HIT: $3,400,000 |
- | RK: 13 | Player: Connor Brown (RW, 32) | CAP HIT: $3,000,000 |
- | RK: 14 | Player: Stefan Noesen (RW, 32) | CAP HIT: $2,750,000 |
- | RK: 15 | Player: Cody Glass (C, 26) | CAP HIT: $2,500,000 |
- | RK: 16 | Player: Jake Allen (G, 35) | CAP HIT: $1,800,000 |
- | RK: 17 | Player: Kurtis Macdermid (LW, 31) | CAP HIT: $1,150,000 |
- | RK: 18 | Player: Evgenii Dadonov (LW, 36) | CAP HIT: $1,000,000 |
- | RK: 19 | Player: Seamus Casey (D, 22) | CAP HIT: $950,000 |
- | RK: 20 | Player: Simon Nemec (D, 21) | CAP HIT: $918,333 |
- | RK: 21 | Player: Juho Lammikko (RW, 30) | CAP HIT: $800,000 |
- | RK: 22 | Player: Thomas Bordeleau (C, 24) | CAP HIT: $775,000 |
- | RK: 23 | Player: Paul Cotter (C, 26) | CAP HIT: $775,000 |
