The New Jersey Devils are entering the final stretch of their 2025 preseason schedule with a matchup against the New York Rangers tonight at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT, with coverage available on MSGSN and MSG. Fans can also look forward to the team’s preseason finale on Saturday, October 4, at 12:30 p.m. EDT against the Philadelphia Flyers at Xfinity Mobile Arena, marking the last tune-up before the regular season begins.
The Devils’ preseason record so far has been a mixed bag. The team dropped their opener to the Rangers, 5-3, and also lost both split-squad contests against the Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals on September 28. These games, while not counting in the standings, have provided valuable opportunities for the coaching staff to evaluate talent, test line combinations, and assess depth across the roster.
Training camp adjustments are already underway. Earlier this week, the Devils made their first round of roster cuts, trimming the squad to 45 players as they prepare to meet the NHL’s 23-player limit by October 9. Among the offseason developments, the team finalized a major contract extension for defenseman Luke Hughes, signing him to a seven-year, $63 million deal with a $9 million annual average value. Hughes, who led all Devils defensemen last season with 44 points (7 goals, 37 assists) and topped the team in assists and power-play points, had been a restricted free agent before ending his holdout.
Forward Jack Hughes, Luke’s older brother, continues to solidify his status as one of the league’s elite young talents, recently earning the #19 spot on Sportsnet’s list of the NHL’s top 50 players. With both Hughes brothers locked in, New Jersey’s core is well-positioned to make an impact this season.
The Devils’ goaltending situation has also drawn attention, with the returning tandem of Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen expected to anchor the crease. Allen, fresh off a five-year, $9 million contract extension, will bring stability and experience, while younger netminders Nico Daws, Tyler Brennan, and Jakub Malek provide depth and potential options for spot starts or future roster moves. Analysts are closely monitoring how the team will balance veteran presence with emerging talent as the regular season approaches.
Tonight’s contest against the Rangers will be the penultimate preseason test for New Jersey, giving coaches one last opportunity to finalize lineups and assess special teams. Saturday’s finale against the Flyers provides another critical look at depth players and new acquisitions before the regular season begins in earnest. Both games offer fans a glimpse at the strategy, speed, and skill sets that will define the Devils in 2025–26.
With the roster still in flux, contract negotiations resolved, and preseason evaluations in progress, the Devils enter the final week of preparation focused on building chemistry and solidifying their core lineup. Fans seeking the latest news, player updates, and in-depth game coverage can explore Explore New Jersey Devils for comprehensive reporting on the team’s progress and insights into the upcoming NHL season.
