As the 2025-26 NHL season heats up, the New Jersey Devils are already facing a mixture of highs and lows, with early season losses and key injuries impacting their roster. The Devils are set to play their second game of the season tonight, October 11, against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena, aiming to bounce back after a tough 6-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in their season opener this past Thursday.

Injury Setbacks Challenge Devils’ Early Campaign

The Devils’ season got off to a rough start with a number of injuries to key players, including forward Evgenii Dadonov, who sustained a fractured hand after being struck by a shot during the opening game against Carolina. Although initial X-rays came back negative, follow-up testing confirmed the fracture, and Dadonov will be sidelined for at least two more games—tonight’s match against Tampa Bay and Monday’s game against Columbus. His status will be re-evaluated after the team returns to New Jersey, but for now, his absence is a significant blow to the team’s forward depth.

To compensate for Dadonov’s absence, the Devils have called up forward Zack MacEwen from their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets. MacEwen, who was acquired earlier in the offseason in a trade with the Ottawa Senators for Kurtis MacDermid, will likely slot into the fourth line. In addition, Arseny Gritsyuk has been promoted to the third line to fill a spot in the top nine, further highlighting the team’s flexibility in managing personnel during a critical period.

Roster Moves and New Signings

While the Devils are still working through their injuries, the team has also been active in bolstering their roster for the long haul. One of the key moves came with the signing of veteran forward Luke Glendening to a one-year deal. Glendening, known for his faceoff prowess and defensive abilities, brings much-needed experience to a relatively young team. On the defensive side, the Devils secured a massive long-term commitment by extending defenseman Luke Hughes to a seven-year, $63 million contract extension. Hughes, who showed flashes of brilliance in his first full season with the Devils, is expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s blue line for years to come.

Despite a disappointing playoff exit last season, many analysts are optimistic about the Devils’ prospects for the 2025-26 campaign. With a blend of youthful talent and veteran leadership, the Devils are poised to challenge for a playoff spot, though their ability to manage injuries and continue developing team chemistry will be crucial to their success.

The Devils’ Injury Report

Injuries are unfortunately a part of the game, and the Devils are no strangers to dealing with them early on in the season. Below is a detailed list of the current injury situation for the team:

• Evgenii Dadonov (Right Wing) – Fractured Hand – Out – Expected to return TBD after re-evaluation.
• Seamus Casey (Defenseman) – Lower Body – Injured Reserve – Status TBD.
• Johnathan Kovacevic (Defenseman) – Knee – Injured Reserve – Expected return by January 3, 2026.
• Stefan Noesen (Right Wing) – Groin – Injured Reserve – Expected return October 21, 2025.
• Marc McLaughlin (Right Wing) – Undisclosed – Injured Reserve – Status TBD.
• Juho Lammikko (Center) – Undisclosed – Out – Expected return November 6, 2025.

With several key players on the injured reserve list, including Seamus Casey, Johnathan Kovacevic, and Stefan Noesen, the Devils will have to rely on depth and the ability of their younger players to step up. Kovacevic, a significant presence on defense, is expected to return by January, while Noesen’s return in late October will provide a much-needed boost to the forward group.

What to Expect From the Devils This Season

Despite these early-season setbacks, there’s no doubt that the New Jersey Devils remain a team to watch in the Eastern Conference. With an explosive offense led by the likes of Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, along with a young, dynamic defensive core, the Devils have the tools to compete at a high level once their roster is back to full strength. The question will be how quickly the team can adapt to the loss of key players like Dadonov, and whether new signings and call-ups can maintain momentum until the full roster is ready to go.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Devils navigate these challenges, but with the right adjustments, they have the potential to overcome the early adversity and make a serious push for the playoffs. For more updates on the New Jersey Devils and their journey through the 2025-26 season, stay tuned and follow the team’s latest news, including game recaps and injury reports, on Explore New Jersey Devils.