The New Jersey Devils are gearing up for one of the most exciting events of the preseason calendar: the 2025 Prospects Challenge at HarborCenter in Buffalo. The annual showcase of young talent runs September 11 through September 15, featuring top prospects from five NHL organizations: the Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
For fans eager to catch an early glimpse of the next wave of Devils talent, this tournament offers the perfect opportunity to see future stars compete against their peers in a highly competitive environment.
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Devils Schedule at the Prospects Challenge
The Devils’ rookies and prospects will report to training camp on September 10 before heading to Buffalo. From there, the team — led by the Utica Comets coaching staff and head coach Ryan Parent — will play three games over four days.
Full Devils schedule:
- Sept. 11 – Devils vs. Blue Jackets, 7:00 p.m.
- Sept. 12 – Devils vs. Sabres, 7:00 p.m.
- Sept. 14 – Devils vs. Bruins, 12:00 p.m.
Other matchups across the tournament will feature Penguins vs. Bruins, Blue Jackets vs. Sabres, and Penguins vs. Sabres, rounding out a competitive lineup of games.
Why the Prospects Challenge Matters for the Devils
For the Devils, the Prospects Challenge is much more than a tune-up before preseason. It’s a critical chance to:
- Evaluate top prospects drafted in recent years, including 2025 selections like forward David Rozsival (6th round, 161st overall) and defenseman Shane Lachance (acquired from Edmonton, 6th round, 2021).
- Develop chemistry between Utica Comets players and prospects who may soon graduate to the NHL level.
- Assess depth across the organization as the Devils prepare for the 2025-26 NHL season.
With the Comets staff running the bench, the tournament also provides continuity between the AHL and NHL development pipelines — a key factor for a team that has leaned heavily on its young stars in recent seasons.
Spotlight on Devils Storylines Heading Into Buffalo
Youth Movement Continues
The Devils’ roster is packed with young talent, and events like this give management a clear look at who is NHL-ready and who needs more seasoning in the AHL. With players like Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes, and Simon Nemec already establishing themselves, fans are eager to see who’s next.
Palat’s Future Still in Question
While veterans prepare for main camp, all eyes remain on forward Ondrej Palat, whose underwhelming performance last season has left questions about his long-term fit on the roster. The emergence of younger, hungrier prospects could further complicate that picture.
Olympic Buzz
On the international stage, USA Hockey recently released its Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp roster, featuring Devils stars Jack, Luke, and Brett Hughes — a huge boost to the organization’s profile and proof of the talent pipeline running through Newark.
Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 Season
The Devils enter the new campaign with plenty to prove. After a strong first half last season, the team faltered down the stretch, ranking just 26th in points percentage from January onward. The Prospects Challenge is the first step toward building momentum — not only for the next generation of Devils talent, but also for the franchise’s quest to return to contender status in the Eastern Conference.
Full 2025 Prospects Challenge Schedule
Here’s the complete slate of games:
- Sept. 11 – Devils vs. Blue Jackets, 7:00 p.m.
- Sept. 12 – Penguins vs. Bruins, 3:30 p.m.
- Sept. 12 – Devils vs. Sabres, 7:00 p.m.
- Sept. 13 – Blue Jackets vs. Sabres, 7:00 p.m.
- Sept. 14 – Bruins vs. Devils, 12:00 p.m.
- Sept. 14 – Blue Jackets vs. Penguins, 3:30 p.m.
- Sept. 15 – Penguins vs. Sabres, 12:00 p.m.
Final Thoughts
From Buffalo to Newark, the Prospects Challenge sets the stage for the Devils’ 2025-26 season. With promising draft picks, a strong development system, and high expectations for both the big club and its future stars, New Jersey fans have plenty to be excited about.
Stay tuned for more Devils coverage, prospect updates, and preseason analysis in our New Jersey Devils section.
