The New Jersey Devils are using the 2026 Winter Olympic break as a pivotal moment to recalibrate their roster, evaluate emerging talent, and prepare for the decisive stretch of the 2025–26 NHL season. In a significant organizational move, the club has recalled forward Lenni Hämeenaho, defensemen Dennis Cholowski and Colton White, and goaltender Jakub Malek from the Utica Comets, the franchise’s American Hockey League affiliate.
The transactions arrive at a critical juncture for the Devils, who are navigating international competition, injury recovery, and playoff positioning while reinforcing depth across all positions. With the team set to resume NHL play on February 28 against the St. Louis Blues, the roster adjustments reflect a strategic focus on development, evaluation, and competitive readiness.
For New Jersey hockey fans and the broader Garden State sports community, the latest moves underscore a franchise balancing immediate performance with long-term growth — a hallmark of the Devils’ evolving identity during the 2025–26 campaign.
Devils Recall AHL Talent During Olympic Break
The Devils’ decision to bring four players up from Utica highlights the organization’s emphasis on maintaining a competitive training environment during the league pause.
Forward Lenni Hämeenaho joins the roster as a developing offensive presence, offering speed, creativity, and strong puck-handling ability. His call-up reflects the organization’s ongoing investment in young European talent and its commitment to expanding scoring depth.
On defense, Dennis Cholowski and Colton White provide additional blue-line reinforcement. Cholowski’s puck-moving ability and offensive instincts complement White’s physicality and defensive reliability, giving the coaching staff flexibility as they evaluate defensive pairings heading into the season’s final months.
Goaltender Jakub Malek’s recall adds depth between the pipes and provides valuable NHL-level experience during practices. His presence supports the Devils’ continued focus on strengthening their goaltending pipeline and maintaining internal competition at every position.
These recalls are primarily intended for practice participation during the Olympic break, allowing coaching staff to assess player readiness and chemistry while maintaining team structure during the temporary roster shift.
Olympic Break Creates Unique Opportunity for Team Reset
The Devils enter this period in a unique position as the NHL pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The international tournament has drawn several key Devils players to represent their home countries, temporarily reshaping the roster while offering the organization a chance to evaluate emerging talent.
Seven Devils were initially selected for Olympic competition, reinforcing the team’s global influence and high-caliber roster.
Jack Hughes continues to shine on the international stage with Team USA, delivering a dramatic overtime quarterfinal performance against Sweden and recording a critical assist to open scoring. His performance has further solidified his reputation as one of the tournament’s elite forwards as the United States advances to the semifinals.
Simon Nemec has also advanced to semifinal play, helping Slovakia secure a commanding victory over Germany. His international success reflects the growing impact of the Devils’ young defensive core.
Several Devils players saw strong individual performances despite their teams’ elimination in the quarterfinal round. Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jonas Siegenthaler represented Switzerland, while Jacob Markstrom and Jesper Bratt competed for Sweden. Meier emerged as Switzerland’s leading scorer with seven points, demonstrating offensive consistency even in a short tournament format.
The Olympic break not only showcases Devils talent on a global stage but also allows the organization to assess player health, recovery timelines, and roster strategy for the remainder of the NHL season.
Injury Updates and Key Player Developments
One of the most closely monitored storylines for the Devils is the status of defenseman Luke Hughes. The young star returned to practice on February 18 for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury on January 19.
While his return to the ice represents a positive step forward, Hughes remains on Long-Term Injured Reserve and is not eligible for game action until at least February 28. His eventual return could provide a significant boost to the Devils’ defensive structure and transition game.
The organization continues to prioritize careful recovery management, recognizing Hughes’ importance to both immediate performance and long-term franchise stability.
Trade Activity Signals Competitive Intent
The Devils have also been active in shaping their roster through strategic transactions. The recent acquisition of forward Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues, in exchange for Thomas Bordeleau and a draft pick, adds size, experience, and versatility to the forward group.
Bjugstad’s presence strengthens the Devils’ depth down the middle and offers additional scoring potential as the team prepares for critical divisional matchups. The move signals the organization’s commitment to maintaining competitiveness while balancing roster development.
Current Standings and Season Performance
As the Devils prepare to resume NHL play, they sit seventh in the Metropolitan Division with a 28–27–2 record and 58 points. The team remains in contention for postseason positioning but faces an increasingly competitive race within the Eastern Conference.
Several players continue to anchor the team’s statistical leadership:
Nico Hischier leads the team in both points and goals, recording 42 points and 19 goals this season while maintaining his role as captain and two-way leader.
Jesper Bratt leads the Devils in assists with 28, showcasing his playmaking ability and offensive vision.
Jacob Markstrom has recorded 15 wins in goal, providing stability in net during a season defined by lineup changes and injuries.
The final stretch of the season will test the Devils’ depth, consistency, and ability to convert opportunities into critical points.
Coaching Leadership and Tactical Direction
The Devils continue their campaign under Head Coach Sheldon Keefe, whose system emphasizes speed, structured defensive play, and offensive pressure. The coaching staff includes Jeremy Colliton overseeing the power play, Brad Shaw directing defensive and penalty kill strategy, and Sergei Brylin working closely with the team’s forwards.
This leadership group has focused on developing young talent while maintaining competitive structure, guiding the team through a season marked by international competition, roster adjustments, and evolving line combinations.
End of an Era: “Jersey Jersey” Uniform Retirement
Beyond roster developments, the organization has also announced a symbolic transition. The 2025–26 season will mark the final year the Devils wear their black “Jersey Jersey” third uniforms. The alternate jerseys will appear for three additional home games in March and April before being officially retired.
The decision reflects the franchise’s ongoing brand evolution and connection to its fan base, as uniform changes often represent broader shifts in team identity and era.
The Devils’ Role in New Jersey’s Sports Landscape
The New Jersey Devils remain one of the state’s most influential professional sports organizations, representing a central pillar of New Jersey’s athletic culture. The team’s presence at Prudential Center in Newark continues to drive regional engagement, tourism, and community connection, reinforcing hockey’s strong foothold across the Garden State.
Through youth programs, community initiatives, and competitive performance, the franchise continues to shape the future of hockey in New Jersey while maintaining its legacy as a three-time Stanley Cup champion.
For readers exploring the latest developments surrounding the franchise, the Devils section provides ongoing coverage of team news, roster updates, and season analysis as the organization moves through a defining period.
Looking Ahead to the Season’s Defining Stretch
With the Olympic break nearing its conclusion and NHL play set to resume, the Devils enter a critical phase of the season defined by roster integration, player recovery, and playoff pursuit.
The recalls from Utica, international performances, injury recoveries, and recent transactions collectively shape a franchise navigating transition while pursuing competitive success. The coming weeks will determine whether the Devils can translate organizational depth and emerging talent into sustained momentum.
As the team prepares for its February 28 matchup against the St. Louis Blues, the focus shifts to execution, resilience, and strategic consistency — all essential elements for a club seeking to strengthen its position in the Metropolitan Division and reaffirm its place among the NHL’s rising contenders.
For New Jersey fans and the statewide hockey community, the Devils’ evolving roster and renewed focus signal an organization positioning itself for both immediate impact and long-term excellence, reinforcing its enduring role at the heart of New Jersey sports.
