The NHL offseason is winding down, and that means all eyes in New Jersey are locked on Newark, where the Devils are gearing up for another high-stakes season at the Prudential Center. Training camp opens soon, and with it comes the excitement, questions, and storylines that will define the 2025-26 campaign. From long-awaited injury returns to a defense corps bursting with talent to a forward group still looking for the right balance, Devils fans have plenty to track as the season approaches.
Below, we break down everything you need to know about the Devils as of late August 2025 — injuries, roster updates, potential milestones, and the names still floating on the free-agent market who could arrive on professional tryouts.
Devils Injury Updates
Injuries were a major theme of the Devils’ 2024-25 campaign, but the team is entering this year with a cautiously optimistic outlook. Here’s the latest:
- Jesper Bratt – After undergoing shoulder surgery in May, Bratt is confirmed to be ready for the start of training camp. His playmaking and speed will be crucial for the Devils’ top six.
- Jack Hughes – The face of the franchise had shoulder surgery back in March but is also expected to be cleared for camp. A healthy Hughes instantly changes the Devils’ ceiling.
- Luke Hughes – Jack’s younger brother also went under the knife for a shoulder procedure but is on track to return alongside his brother for camp. His growth on the blue line will be one of the biggest storylines to follow this year.
- Brenden Dillon – After missing the final four playoff games with a neck injury, Dillon is optimistic about being ready for camp. His physical, steady game will help balance out New Jersey’s deep defense.
- Johnathan Kovacevic – The one confirmed early absence. He’ll miss Opening Night due to a knee injury and could require surgery, a blow for the Devils’ defensive depth.
Note: Matthew Tkachuk, who also underwent surgery and may be out until January, plays for the Florida Panthers — not the Devils.
Roster Picture: Stacked Defense, Unfinished Forward Group
The Devils’ defense is among the deepest in the NHL. With Luke Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, Jonas Siegenthaler, Brett Pesce, and Brenden Dillon all slotted in, the blue line boasts seven players who could legitimately start on most NHL rosters. Even without Kovacevic, New Jersey has Seamus Casey waiting in the wings, plus former NHL regulars Dennis Cholowski and Calen Addison battling for spots.
The forward group, however, tells a different story. The top of the lineup is elite: Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier are the cornerstones. But beyond that, the Devils are still searching for balance:
- Top-six locks: Hischier, Hughes, Bratt, Meier
- Middle-six options: Dawson Mercer, Stefan Noesen, Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov
- Bottom-six depth: Cody Glass, Ondrej Palat, Paul Cotter
- Prospects with upside: Arseni Gritsyuk, Lenni Hämeenaho, Cole Squires
- Depth hopefuls: Cam LaChance, Juho Lammikko, Thomas Bordeleau, Angus Crookshank, Brian Halonen, Marc McLaughlin, Mike Hardman
On paper, that’s only 11 proven NHL forwards. A big question heading into camp is whether Gritsyuk is ready to seize a second- or third-line role immediately. If he impresses, it could bump Mercer into the third-line center spot and push Lammikko into a 13th forward role.
Contract Watch: Luke Hughes
Another major storyline is Luke Hughes’ contract negotiations. The young defenseman is seeking a deal that would expire in 2030 — the same year his brother Jack’s contract runs out. While this might seem like a small detail, it speaks volumes about the Hughes brothers’ intent to stay in New Jersey long-term. The Devils’ front office will have to balance financial flexibility with locking up their defensive cornerstone.
Coaching Staff Additions
The Devils enter the season with Sheldon Keefe as Head Coach and Brad Shaw joining as Assistant Coach (announced May 27, 2025). With Keefe’s offensive systems and Shaw’s defensive expertise, the Devils are betting on a coaching staff that can maximize a roster brimming with both skill and youthful energy.
Devils in the Spotlight: USA Hockey’s Olympic Orientation Camp
Luke Hughes, Jack Hughes, and Brett Pesce were all invited to USA Hockey’s Olympic Orientation Camp, beginning August 26. With the Winter Olympics looming, Devils fans may see multiple players wearing red, white, and blue on the international stage.
Veteran Free Agents Who Could Fill the Gaps
While the roster looks strong, especially on defense, New Jersey may not be done adding pieces. Several veterans remain unsigned and could be intriguing fits on professional tryout deals (PTOs) heading into camp:
- Jon Merrill (D): Familiar to Devils fans, the 33-year-old could provide depth if Dillon or Siegenthaler miss time.
- TJ Brodie (D): With ties to Sheldon Keefe in Toronto, the 35-year-old brings experience and leadership.
- Max Pacioretty (F): At 36, not the scorer he once was, but his physical edge and defensive impact could solidify the bottom six.
- Kevin Labanc (F): At 29, he’s coming off surgery but still plays a reliable two-way game.
- Craig Smith (F): A gritty forechecker who creates rebound chances — a natural fit alongside Dawson Mercer.
The reality is that the forward depth chart could use one more veteran presence. While the free-agent pool is thin, these players bring experience and reliability that could prove invaluable in a long season.
Looking Ahead
The Devils have all the ingredients to bounce back in 2025-26: superstar talent, a stacked defense, and a coaching staff with a fresh outlook. But they’ll need their injury returns to hold up, their young forwards to step forward, and perhaps one or two savvy veteran additions to balance out the lineup.
Training camp and preseason will give fans a clearer picture of where things stand. For now, the excitement is building in Newark — and for good reason.
