Season Preview – 5. New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils are set this season with a new sense of purpose and urgency. After years of accumulating talent but falling short of true contention, they are finally putting the pieces together to make a serious playoff push. Projected to finish 5th in the league, the Devils have made crucial changes across the roster to compete among the NHL’s elite teams. Led by new head coach Sheldon Keefe, who brings a blend of offensive firepower and defensive discipline, the Devils now have a clear system to harness the considerable talent on their roster. In net, the Devils secured elite goaltender Jakob Markstrom forming a solid goaltending tandem with Jake Allen, while on defense, they added key pieces to form one of the league’s top defensive cores. Up front, they’ve added physicality and work ethic to support their skilled scorers. With these upgrades, the Devils are not just aiming for the playoffs—they’re planning for a long run.

Season Expectations

This season, expectations for the Devils are higher than they’ve been in recent memory. The addition of Sheldon Keefe represents a significant shift toward structured, systematic play, something the Devils have lacked in past seasons despite their impressive talent. Keefe’s approach combines both offensive creativity and defensive reliability, designed to maximize the team’s potential on both sides of the ice. This structure is crucial for a team that has often been outmatched by opponents who execute more disciplined play. Keefe’s style could unlock a new level of play from stars like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt, who thrive in dynamic systems that allow them to use their skill but also encourage sound defensive habits.

The Devils acquisitions indicate a clear plan to build a balanced roster, starting from the back. Jakob Markstrom’s arrival as a reliable number one goalie fills a position that has been a weakness for the Devils in recent years. Partnered with Jake Allen, the Devils now have a goaltending tandem that should keep them competitive in most games, capable of making big saves in critical moments. This is particularly important for a team like New Jersey, whose aggressive offensive play style needs a dependable last line of defense to cover occasional defensive lapses.

Their newly fortified defense, led by newcomers Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic, rounds out a strong core that can handle heavy minutes, defend effectively against top opponents, and transition the puck quickly to forwards. This defensive depth is expected to limit opponents scoring chances, particularly on rush plays that have previously plagued the Devils. Up front, the team has added grit and physicality with Paul Cotter and Stefan Noesen, whose hard-nosed styles should help New Jersey in more physical matchups while providing depth scoring and defensive reliability. The re-signing of Tomas Tatar brings familiarity and experience to a team that values chemistry, helping to keep the forward lines stable. Altogether, these additions set the Devils up as one of the most balanced teams in the league, ready to handle the demands of a long season and the intensity of the playoffs.

Projected Lines

Under Sheldon Keefe’s adaptable, high-tempo coaching, the New Jersey Devils lineup is balanced across both forward and defensive cores. The top forward lines emphasize skill and puck control, while the middle lines offer two-way versatility for shutdown or counter-attacking roles. Defensively, the pairing features puck movers who can join the rush, while still having stability against aggressive forechecks. The focus is on disciplined, high-percentage plays, creating a cohesive style that transitions smoothly from defense to offense, making the Devils tough to contain.

To clarify, these line projections are meant to only predict the start of the season. With so many potential combinations possible, its almost certain that there are tweaks and additions of new faces by the end of the year. Expect the season to start as such:

Dawson Mercer – Nico Hischier – Timo Meier
Ondrej Palat – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt
Paul Cotter – Erik Haula – Stefan Noesen
Tomas Tartar – Curtis Lazar – Nathan Bastian

Brenden Dillon – Dougie Hamilton
Luke Hughes – Brett Pesce
Jonas Siegenthaler – Johnathan Kovacevic*

Jakob Markstrom
Jake Allen

Scratches: Kurtis MacDermid, Simon Nemec*

Line 1
This line has already shown its effectiveness early on in this season, with captain Hischier already putting up 10 goals in just 13 games. They have a blend of speed, scoring, and forecheck abilities that essential give the Devils two top lines. So far this year, they have played 12 games together and have managed to post a 55.1% xGoals For along with a decent net 0.56 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. Mercer signed an extension at the start of training camp that will pay him $4.0 million each season for the next three years. The young dynamic forward struggled with consistency last year, but given the overall balance of the forward group, he is poised to breakout in a consistent top role for the team. He can play all areas of the ice and contribute offensively while still being responsible in his own zone. Hischier is underrated and often gets shadowed by the elite offensive talents of Jack Hughes on the team. However, his leadership style of leading by example, can make all the difference this season with the new found energy from offseason changes. He has already been an offensive punch this year, and even though his numbers are likely to slow down, he will still provide a presence opposing teams will need to be aware of. Meier had a slow start to the season last year but capped the year off being amongst the top goal scorers for the second half. He will need to be a reliable heavy power forward for this team and put up timely goals like his time in San Jose. Allowing him top minutes will only help him find the score sheet, as long as he remains dedicated to his own zone.

Line 2
Having a second line that can easily slot into top line minutes is a showcase to the tremendous work General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has put into this Devils squad. They have already had a hot start to the season and have provided the team with a reliable scoring option that will generate rushes at will, and will avoid being trapped in their own zone. They have played 8 games together to start the season and have managed to post a 55.9% xGoals For along with a net 0.65 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes, which is top on the teams consistent lines so far. Palat is a coaches dream, a player who puts defense and possession first, while still be able to contribute on the high end of the offensive output. He can play both special teams at a high level and also can slot in anywhere across the lines with never a complaint of his ice time. He will leave it all on the ice if it is game 1 of the regular season, or game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. His commitment and work ethic brings a stability and constant competitive energy that can translate throughout the locker room. Hughes is a super star in the making and has developed more and more as his career progresses. His smooth skating ability and slick playmaking vision is a massive catalyst down the middle for an already offensively minded Devils group. He is still finding out how to be completely effective in the defensive zone, but he is never a liability when he is there. He could easily compete for the Art Ross Trophy this year and it would be no surprise if he takes home some NHL hardware when the season is over. Bratt is one of the leagues most under appreciated scorers and often gets lost in the shuffle among the leagues most consistent point producers. He may be on the smaller side standing only 5’10”, yet he still plays big and can give opponents a headache when he is playing at his best.

Line 3
One of the more questionable moves that was made this offseason for the Devils was trading former 7th overall pick Alexander Holtz to the Vegas Golden Knights for Paul Cotter. However, GM Fitzgerald has proved once again why he is at the helm of the franchise, as Cotter has brought in his heavy hard-nosed presence to a team that looked feeble at times last season. This line has the perfect blend of grit, forechecking, and finishing skill that will make them a driving force all season long. Already they have played 12 games to start the season and have put up an average 47.7% xGoals For along with a not-so-impressive -0.23 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes, yet the numbers do not give this line justice. Cotter, like mentioned before, adds a different element to a top heavy skilled forward group. He has already been apart of a winning culture in Vegas, and brings his experience to establish a championship culture in New Jersey. He plays a heavy fast paced game and is a hound around the net or getting possession back. He has also found a scoring touch with more minutes this year, putting up 6 goals and 8 points in 13 games. Haula is a steady, high-IQ two-way center that brings a mix of everything to this forward group. He competes for pucks, never lets a play die, and can even kill penalties at an effective rate. He is the driving force of this line and has the playmaking vision to distribute to his power forward linemates for easy finishes. Noesen returns to the Devils after a successful stint in Carolina where he carved out a new identity as a reliable middle-six and power play contributor. Like Cotter, Noesen brings physicality with offensive flair and a work ethic that was made for the forecheck.

Line 4
This line is the energy and engine for head coach Sheldon Keefe. They will never be relied for secondary scoring, but they will be the first ones out after a goal is scored, and also after a power play is expired. They will need to provide momentum when games seem out of reach, and can also mix it up on the ice to wear opposing teams down throughout each game. This season they have only played 4 games together due to an injury Lazar suffered, yet they still managed to post an elite 75% xGoals For along with an impressive net 2.78 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. However, those numbers are inflated and unrealistic due to the limited, yet effective, playing time together. Tartar returned to the Devils this offseason after seeing short stints in Colorado and Seattle the last two seasons. While his role has shifted from a top-six winger, he can still be an important line driver for the fourth line, with the ability to be a powerplay specialist and move up when offense needs to be generated. Lazar is currently going to miss some time due to his injury, yet he has quietly carved himself out a reliable fourth line role and his presence will be missed for the team until he can make his return. Bastian is a big 6’4″ framed grinder for this team. He can provide offense on some nights, but he is well aware of his energy role and is getting better at delivering it every season.

Pair 1
As mentioned prior, the Devils were able to revamp their defensive core this offseason and Dillon slots into a top tier role next to Hamilton. Hamilton is also returning healthy after missing 62 games last season, which was a focal point in the Devils demise last year. Together they have played every game this season already, and have managed to put up a solid 57% xGoals For along with a net 0.95 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes, which may still increase as the season progresses. Dillon is a defensive-first defenseman that has a leadership ability through is hard work ethic and commitment to overall team success. His identity compliments Hamilton perfectly, and since he already has accumulated 905 games of experience in the NHL, he will be poised to take on any task that is handed to him. He will be a major difference maker on the penalty kill, and can shutdown top opponents effectively as long has he is using his angles correctly. Hamilton is one of the league most balanced defenders. He is a difference maker on both ends of the ice, and can command the blue line when the Devils have control in the offensive zone. He is also responsible in front of his own net, using his physicality to his advantage, while also keeping an eye out for a first-pass opportunity for a rush. It will be essential for both these players to remain healthy if the Devils plan on establishing themselves as one of the leagues top 5 teams.

Pair 2
One of the biggest acquisitions of the Devils this offseason was signing Pesce to a six-year, $33.0 million contract in free agency. Having the vision of proving young phenom Luke Hughes with a defensive responsible partner than can cover for Hughes in a rush, or simply relay on ice teaching to accelerate his development. They have only played 5 games together this season as both players started the season late due to injuries, yet they still have posted 54.2% xGoals For % along with a net 0.34 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. They are receiving a limited role so far so they can get up to the pace of the season, but they are sure to maintain their second pairing ice time throughout the year. Hughes is quickly establishing himself as a difference maker on the back end for the Devils, and while he needs to be more responsible in his own end, his natural offensive instincts will only increase. He can run the second power play unit and also crunch heavy minutes without missing a step. Yet, with the new veterans entering the fold, we are likely to see a decreased defensive responsibility for him, with a focus solely on his development into a star like both his brothers. Pesce is an elite defensive-defenseman and also brings a puck moving ability to escape his own zone or create a rush through the neutral zone. He likes to be physical and can block as many pucks as needed, and he will make all the sacrifices necessary to win.

Pair 3
This is where the Devils separate themselves as one of the top defensive cores in the league. They have multiple bodies that can play this role at a high rate, and already have found themselves at a cross roads with deciding who to play the most games on this pair. They have been the most effective pairing for the Devils this season already putting up an unlikely 63.4% xGoals For along with a net 1.16 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes in 14 games this season. Siegenthaler was displaced by Dillon as Hamilton’s partner this year, however he did not let it effect his play on the ice, and in fact, he lesser role may prove to be the sweet spot for his production. He can shut down top players, but more importantly, he is an elite penalty killer that can be relied on in tight games. He may find himself moving around the pairings as the season progresses, but for now, it would be wise to keep the pairing together. Kovacevic was one of the quieter acquisitions the Devils made this offseason and has turned out the be on of the loudest as the season continues. He already has posted 6 points in 15 games and is a +7 as well. He was brought in to be defensive security for inevitable injuries that happen throughout a long season, yet he has taken the early opportunity he was given and has forced the coaching staff to keep him in. It is unlikely we see him play every game this season since Nemec will need to continue to develop at this level, but for now, he is one of the better stories to come out of this young season.

Goalies
Last season the Devils could not buy a save from any of their goalies and their downfall could be linked directly to the unreliability they faced in their own net. GM Fitzgerald decided enough is a enough and swung for the fences bringing in veteran elite goaltender Jakob Markstrom, who is the perfect fit for this stacked Devils team. His poise, agility, and competitiveness will give the Devils a chance to win every time he is in net. While the start to his season has been slow, he is more than capable of carrying this team come the post-season, and will be given ample opportunity to lead this team from the crease. Allen has already been a starter in his career but has slowly become a reliable backup option, something the Devils have been in need for. He can play upwards of 35 games this year if need be, while still being effective enough to out battle opposing net minders in a game. Even though Markstrom is the top tier starter for this team, Allen is the perfect secondary option to give Markstrom a rest in back to backs, or provide a veteran presence on an aspiring Stanley Cup calibre team.

Scratches
The Devils have multiple depth options, yet the ones they are currently carrying on their roster are responsible for being the “next man up”. MacDermid was brought in late last year to establish a tough presence on a frail Devils squad that was getting pushed around most games. He is capable of playing both forward and defense, but his main responsibility is to provide toughness and energy in the games he plays. Nemec was slotted to be a main contributor for this Devils squad to start the season, however Kovacevic has displaced him as of right now due to his reliable performances. No doubt Nemec will receive many opportunities throughout the season to earn his spot back and develop further into the player the Devils envision.

Keys to Success

For the Devils to succeed, several factors need to fall into place. First and foremost, the team must stay healthy, particularly in key areas like goaltending and defense. Markstrom is an elite goaltender, but his health will be critical in ensuring the Devils have a reliable backstop throughout the season. While Jake Allen offers solid support, the Devils will want to avoid overtaxing him and instead use him strategically to ensure both goaltenders stay fresh. Also, their back end is fortified but needs to stay together in order to be effective. Last year Hamilton missed significant time due to injury, and the defense fell apart. This year they have pieces to fill in, but two or more injuries could prove disastrous.

Another key is how quickly the team adjusts to Keefe’s system. While talent is abundant in New Jersey, cohesion is essential, especially in high stake games. Keefe’s approach requires full buy in from players who are used to playing a more open style. If the team can commit to structured defensive habits and disciplined offensive execution, they’ll be able to create a rhythm that other teams will find challenging to disrupt. The new defensive additions, Pesce and Dillon in particular, will play a significant role in implementing Keefe’s system on the back end, making it easier for the forwards to operate within a structured framework.

Chemistry will also be crucial on offense. The Devils are looking to blend high end skill with grit, so players like Cotter and Noesen will need to integrate smoothly with the team’s core. Players like Timo Meier and Ondrej Palat will also need to increase their offensive outputs for the team to maintain their balance. The offense should be fast-paced, creative, and relentless, aiming to outscore opponents while maintaining defensive discipline. If the new additions can provide secondary scoring and apply consistent pressure, it will create a balanced attack that makes it hard for opponents to focus on any one line. A reliable power play and penalty kill will also be crucial in close games, where special teams can make all the difference.

Potential Downfall

Despite the Devils strengths, certain risks could threaten their success this season. One concern is the adjustment period under Keefe. If players take too long to adapt to his structured system, the Devils may experience early season struggles that could cost them crucial points. New systems often come with growing pains, and there is a risk that the team may struggle to find consistency, especially if they face a challenging schedule early on. Chemistry among the new roster additions could also pose challenges, as integrating multiple new players across all positions can take time, and any initial lack of cohesion could put pressure on the team.

Goaltending durability is another concern. While Markstrom is an elite goalie, he has had a history of injuries, and the Devils cannot afford to lose him for an extended period. If Allen is forced into a heavier workload than anticipated, it could affect his effectiveness and leave the Devils with limited options. While they have depth on the blue line, a major injury to any of their top defenders could throw off the team’s balance, particularly if a player like Pesce or Dillon is sidelined.

Additionally, the team’s increased physicality, while an asset, could backfire if it leads to unnecessary penalties. The Devils must balance playing with intensity and not giving opponents extra power play chances, as penalty trouble could undo the defensive improvements they’ve made. If they become too reliant on their toughness instead of disciplined play, it could lead to unnecessary lapses in focus or penalties at crucial times.

Future Outlook

The Devils future is as bright as it has been in years, with a roster stacked not only with established talent but also with promising young players who are expected to be key contributors for years to come. Young stars like Dawson Mercer, Luke Hughes, and Simon Nemec are already making a noticeable impact on the team, each showing signs of developing into high-impact players. Mercer’s offensive instincts and versatility give the Devils an additional threat on offense, while Luke Hughes has quickly emerged as a dynamic two-way defenseman, able to drive play and contribute both defensively and offensively. Nemec, meanwhile, is expected to bring puck-moving skill and stability to the blue line as he continues to grow into his role, adding even more depth to the Devils defensive arsenal.

Beyond the current roster, the Devils have a robust pipeline of talent that promises to keep them competitive in the long term. Seamus Casey, already demonstrating his scoring ability with three goals and four points in just eight NHL games this year, has shown he can contribute at the highest level, even if he was ultimately sent down to the AHL to preserve a year on his entry-level contract. This decision points to a deliberate approach in managing the Devils young talent, ensuring they have time to fully develop while keeping contract control in mind.

The Devils prospect pool is loaded with future potential. Forwards like Lenni Hämeenaho, Arseni Gritsyuk, Josh Filmon, Chase Stillman, and Kasper Pikkarainen offer a blend of skill, speed, and tenacity that could complement the team’s core in the coming years. Each player brings something unique: Hämeenaho’s playmaking, Gritsyuk’s speed and scoring, and Stillman’s physical edge provide the Devils with flexibility and depth as they shape the team’s future. On defense, Anton Silayev and Topias Vilén represent promising options, both showcasing the potential to contribute as responsible, puck-moving defensemen. Additionally, goaltending prospect Mikhail Yegorov rounds out a well-balanced system, giving the Devils potential depth in net as well.

The Devils have carefully cultivated a system designed for sustained success, with both the NHL roster and the prospect pool showing immense potential. As players like Mercer, Hughes, and Nemec continue to mature and the next wave of prospects is developed with a similarly careful approach, New Jersey is building a core that could make them a powerhouse for years to come.

Final Thoughts

This season holds immense potential for the New Jersey Devils. With a revamped roster, a proven coach, and a mix of high end skill and hard nosed depth, they have all the ingredients necessary to make a deep playoff run. The team’s balance, from the elite goaltending duo to their reinforced defense and gritty forward additions, shows a commitment to building a complete team capable of contending against the league’s best. If they can execute Keefe’s system effectively and avoid potential lapses, the Devils are poised to be one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs. For New Jersey, this season is about taking the next step, proving they belong among the NHL’s elite, and setting the stage for a bright future ahead.