The New Jersey Devils enter tonight’s matchup in Ottawa searching for answers—and desperately needing a spark—as a five-game losing streak threatens to reshape the early landscape of their 2025–26 campaign. What began as a promising stretch has given way to mounting injuries, scoring droughts, defensive lapses, and an undercurrent of trade speculation that has shadowed the team for much of December. As the Devils prepare to face the Senators, the organization finds itself at a critical crossroads, one that demands adjustments both on the ice and potentially within the roster.
The most significant hurdle continues to be the absence of superstar center Jack Hughes, whose mid-November finger surgery derailed the Devils’ offensive rhythm. Without him, New Jersey has struggled to generate sustained chances, often settling for perimeter shots instead of attacking the middle of the ice. Head coach Sheldon Keefe has emphasized a return to simplified hockey—getting bodies to the crease, crashing for rebounds, and grinding for the “ugly” goals that can break a slump. This mentality has been stressed repeatedly in practices, particularly in drills aimed at building a stronger net-front presence. Keefe has made clear that success will come only if players are willing to battle in high-traffic areas and force opponents into uncomfortable situations.
New Jersey’s downturn has been defined as much by its mistakes as by its missed chances. Turnovers and poorly timed defensive miscues have gifted opposing teams high-danger scoring opportunities, placing added pressure on the goaltending and exposing coverage gaps. The Devils’ defensive structure—once a major strength—has faltered under the weight of injuries to key contributors like Brett Pesce. The result has been extended shifts spent in their own zone and opponents capitalizing on Grade-A chances.
Scoring depth remains another glaring concern. With Hughes sidelined, the burden has fallen heavily on the top line, and although Jesper Bratt has generated offense with eight assists over the past five games, the team’s overall production has evaporated. New Jersey has endured stretches of more than 128 minutes without a goal and managed just a single tally over a recent three-game segment. Players who provided occasional contributions last year have struggled to repeat that impact, forcing the Devils to lean on a group that is already stretched thin.
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been active behind the scenes, exploring options to stabilize the roster. Rumblings about New Jersey engaging in discussions with Vancouver regarding Quinn Hughes have captured the attention of the hockey world—not only because of the potential blockbuster nature of such a move, but also due to the storylines that come with uniting all three Hughes brothers under one NHL banner. While defenseman Simon Nemec publicly downplayed the rumors, the speculation underscores the urgency within the organization. Fitzgerald is also reportedly considering adding a veteran center to address the team’s immediate depth issues as injuries continue to pile up.
Tonight’s game comes as the Devils try to regain their footing at 16-12-1, while the Senators sit at 13-11-4. Several injury concerns continue to linger. Captain Nico Hischier is expected to play after a maintenance day, but the availability of Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt remains monitored closely. Jack Hughes has resumed skating, a promising sign, though his return date is still undetermined. Other players—including Boqvist Pesce, Evgenii Dadonov, John Kovacevic, Michael McLaughlin, and Zack MacEwen—remain on the injury list.
Special teams, once a defining weapon for New Jersey, illustrate the shift in performance between last season and the current one. During the 2024–25 campaign, the Devils posted one of the league’s most elite combined special teams units, ranking third on the power play at 28.2 percent and second on the penalty kill at 82.7 percent. This season tells a different story. As of December 9, the power play sits at 20.8 percent, converting on just five of 24 opportunities, while the penalty kill rests at 78.6 percent, having allowed six goals on 28 attempts. Over their five-game slide, the Devils have not tallied a single goal on special teams—a striking contrast to last year’s efficiency.
All eyes now turn to Ottawa as New Jersey seeks a way out of its downward spiral. Improved execution, cleaner defensive play, and a return to hard-nosed hockey will be essential if the Devils hope to regain momentum. Whether this stretch becomes a temporary stumble or the defining storyline of their season may depend on what happens tonight—on the ice and possibly off of it.
Jack Hughes and RWJBarnabas Health Launch “Get Checked” Initiative to Promote Preventative Health in New Jersey
New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes is joining forces with RWJBarnabas Health in a multi-year partnership aimed at encouraging residents across the state to prioritize preventative health care and routine screenings. The collaboration, branded as the “Get Checked” campaign, highlights the importance of proactive health management and makes it easier for New Jerseyans to access vital medical resources.
As a hometown hero and professional athlete, Hughes brings a unique voice to the campaign, connecting with fans and residents on the importance of staying on top of their health. The initiative focuses on a range of preventative measures, from routine physicals and blood work to cancer screenings and lifestyle guidance, ensuring individuals can detect potential health concerns early and take action before they become more serious.
RWJBarnabas Health is leveraging its statewide network of hospitals, clinics, and specialists to make preventative care more accessible than ever. By combining expert medical advice with Hughes’ influence, the campaign emphasizes that health is a daily commitment and encourages New Jerseyans to take control of their well-being. Educational outreach, community events, and digital resources are all part of the effort, ensuring residents have the tools and knowledge needed to make informed health decisions.
The partnership also underscores the importance of role models in promoting healthy habits. Hughes, recognized for his dedication both on and off the ice, demonstrates that even the busiest and most high-profile individuals benefit from routine health monitoring. Through this initiative, RWJBarnabas Health hopes to inspire people of all ages to integrate preventative care into their daily lives, potentially reducing the risk of serious illness and improving long-term wellness.
For fans and residents looking to learn more about Hughes’ impact with the Devils and his involvement in community initiatives, including health campaigns like “Get Checked,” you can explore more about the New Jersey Devils and their players’ efforts on and off the ice.
Explore more from the world of the Devils and track the latest storylines, stats, and developments throughout the season by visiting our New Jersey Devils coverage.
