New Jersey Devils Preseason Update: Key Storylines, Roster Battles, and What’s Ahead.
The New Jersey Devils kicked off their 2025 preseason schedule on September 21 with a 5–3 loss to the rival New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. While the final score leaned in New York’s favor, the night was less about wins and losses and more about evaluation, chemistry, and giving players on the bubble a chance to make an impression. Head coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized afterward that these early games are part of a broader process to build the most competitive roster possible before the regular season begins. From standout debuts to contract questions and goaltending updates, fans have plenty to talk about as the team gears up for October.
Devils drop preseason opener to Rangers
In their first preseason contest on September 21, the Devils fell 5–3 to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Despite the loss, there were several bright spots for New Jersey. Forward Arseny Gritsyuk made an immediate impression in his Devils debut, scoring a goal and adding an assist, showing flashes of offensive creativity that could make him a contender for a roster spot. Paul Cotter and Brian Halonen also found the back of the net, highlighting the depth the Devils are hoping to build in their bottom six.
Goaltending duties were split between veterans Jake Allen and Nico Daws. Allen got the start and was sharp in the opening frame, making 9 saves on 10 shots. Daws took over for the final two periods, facing heavier pressure and stopping 9 of 13 shots. Head coach Sheldon Keefe downplayed the final score, emphasizing that the night was about competition, opportunity, and giving younger players a stage to prove themselves.
Gritsyuk’s debut makes noise
The biggest storyline of the night came from forward Arseny Gritsyuk, who wasted no time introducing himself to Devils fans. In his first game action with the team, Gritsyuk tallied both a goal and an assist, flashing the offensive instincts that have had scouts and fans buzzing. He played primarily alongside Paul Cotter and Cody Glass, and the line generated consistent pressure in the offensive zone. Later in the game, Gritsyuk was shifted to another look with Juho Lammikko and Cotter, showcasing his adaptability and earning positive reviews from the coaching staff.
Cotter sets the tone physically
Forward Paul Cotter also stood out in the opener, not just by scoring a goal but also by bringing a physical edge to the ice. He racked up 10 hits, establishing himself as a presence opponents had to account for every shift. Keefe praised Cotter’s two-way play and intensity, calling him one of the night’s most reliable skaters. Cotter’s ability to balance offensive production with physicality makes him a valuable piece of the Devils’ middle six, especially as the team looks to add grit without sacrificing speed.
Edwards emerging on defense
On the blue line, Ethan Edwards made his case for a bigger role. The young defenseman, already turning heads in training camp, paired with Austin Strand and delivered a steady, impactful performance. Edwards led the team with five blocked shots and was the only Devils defenseman to finish the game with a positive plus/minus rating (+1). For a player trying to break through a crowded defensive group, this type of performance only strengthens his standing with the coaching staff. His blend of mobility, positioning, and willingness to sacrifice the body could give him an edge in the battle for roster spots.
Goaltending split
Between the pipes, Jake Allen opened the game and looked sharp in his 20 minutes of work. The veteran stopped 9 of 10 shots, including a difficult sequence late in the first period that tested his reflexes and positioning. Allen’s calm presence set the tone early, even as the Devils rotated through experimental lineups in front of him.
Nico Daws took over in the second and third periods, facing heavier pressure as the Rangers pushed the pace. He stopped 9 of 13 shots, with New York capitalizing on defensive lapses to put the game out of reach. While the numbers weren’t in his favor, Daws remains a key part of the Devils’ goaltending depth, and his workload this preseason will be important as the team evaluates its crease behind starter Jacob Markstrom.
What the opener tells us
As with most preseason contests, the opener against the Rangers provided as many questions as answers. Gritsyuk’s emergence was a bright spot, Edwards showed that he is ready to challenge for NHL minutes, and Cotter reminded everyone why his game translates so well to physical matchups. At the same time, defensive breakdowns and uneven stretches in the second half of the game highlighted areas that need tightening as the Devils work toward midseason form.
The loss also underscored Keefe’s broader point: the preseason is about building, experimenting, and identifying who can contribute when the games start to count. Fans shouldn’t expect set line combinations or fully polished execution just yet.
Looking ahead
The Devils return to action on Tuesday, September 23, when they host the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. ET, with coverage available on MSGSN and the Devils Hockey Network. As the preseason unfolds, expect continued rotation of players and line experiments as the team sharpens its roster for opening night.
Early line combinations and defensive pairings
Based on reports from the preseason opener, the Devils experimented with several line combinations as Keefe and his staff continue evaluating players vying for roster spots. One line that saw extended ice time and stood out was the trio of Paul Cotter, Cody Glass, and Arseny Gritsyuk. Gritsyuk’s strong debut was particularly noticeable on this line, as he tallied a goal and an assist while meshing well with his linemates.
Later in the game, Keefe shifted Gritsyuk into another look alongside Juho Lammikko and Paul Cotter, testing how the young forward fit in different roles and matchups.
On defense, training camp standout Ethan Edwards was paired with Austin Strand on the second defensive unit. Edwards impressed by blocking five shots and finishing as the only Devils defenseman with a positive plus/minus rating (+1). Performances like his reinforce the depth being built on the blue line and give the coaching staff plenty to consider as roster decisions loom.
While these combinations were effective in stretches, it’s important to remember that preseason lines are often experimental and subject to change as camp progresses. Still, the early chemistry displayed by Gritsyuk and his linemates gives Devils fans reason to keep a close eye on his development.
Jacob Markstrom returns to camp
One of the biggest developments for New Jersey this week is the return of starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom to training camp. After missing the opening days due to a personal matter, the veteran netminder rejoined the team and participated fully in practice. His presence provides stability to the crease as the Devils look to rebound from last season’s inconsistency between the pipes. With extension talks reportedly underway, Markstrom’s future in Newark could soon be secured, bringing clarity to one of the organization’s most important positions.
Luke Hughes contract discussions
While much of the focus is on the ice, one of the most closely watched stories is the status of defenseman Luke Hughes and his contract negotiations. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald recently acknowledged his disappointment that a deal has not yet been finalized, but optimism remains that a long-term agreement is within reach. Hughes, who has already shown flashes of elite play on the blue line, is a cornerstone piece for the franchise’s future. Securing him alongside captain Jack Hughes and star center Nico Hischier is a priority as the Devils aim to build a long-term contender.
Jack Hughes pushing for family ties
Speaking of the Hughes family, rumors continue to swirl around captain Jack Hughes lobbying for opportunities to play with his brothers Quinn and Luke in New Jersey. While Luke is already here, Quinn remains a member of the Vancouver Canucks. The speculation adds another layer of intrigue for Devils fans, who can’t help but imagine what a Hughes trio could mean for the team’s long-term success. For now, Jack’s focus remains on leading the team back to playoff contention, but the family narrative is one that keeps buzzing across the league.
Rookie camp roster sparks discussion
The Devils also released their rookie training camp roster, and as always, the names included—and omitted—sparked plenty of debate among fans and analysts. With several forward and defensive spots still open for competition, this year’s rookie crop will have chances to prove themselves in preseason action. Gritsyuk’s strong debut is proof of how quickly a young player can force their way into the conversation.
Looking ahead
The preseason continues this week as the Devils host the New York Islanders on Tuesday, September 23, at the Prudential Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. ET, with coverage on MSGSN and the Devils Hockey Network. These early matchups may not count in the standings, but they provide invaluable opportunities for players battling for ice time and for coaches to test line combinations before the season begins.
For fans, the early action is a reminder that Devils hockey is back, and so too is the excitement that comes with a roster loaded with young talent, high expectations, and plenty of storylines. To stay up to date with all the latest coverage, visit Explore New Jersey’s Devils section.
As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on which players rise to the occasion, which roster battles are settled, and how quickly this Devils team can find the consistency needed to push for another run at the postseason.
