In a week marked by significant changes and preparations, the New Jersey Devils are gearing up for the 2025-26 NHL season with a fresh perspective. The organization has made headlines by parting ways with several members of their coaching staff, including assistant coaches Ryan McGill and Chris Taylor, as well as head video coach Jerry Dineen. This shake-up signals a new direction for the team, which aims to build on last season's playoff appearance, where they fell short in the opening round against the Carolina Hurricanes.
As the Devils head into training camp, the focus is on their roster, particularly the goaltending situation. The team has brought in veteran Jacob Markstrom, who is expected to take the reins as the starting goaltender, supported by Jake Allen. The duo is anticipated to be crucial in solidifying the Devils' performance, especially after a tumultuous previous season marred by inconsistencies in net.
Amidst the roster adjustments, fans were thrilled to see the return of key players such as Jack Hughes, who is primed for a breakout season after overcoming injuries. Alongside him, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt will look to enhance the team’s offensive output. The addition of newcomers such as Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov adds depth to the lineup, further bolstering the Devils’ ambitions for a deeper playoff run.
Additionally, the team’s prospect pool remains a topic of discussion, albeit with mixed results. Recent reports indicated a quiet week for Devils prospects, with no points recorded in competitive games. However, players like Luke Hughes, who recently signed a seven-year contract worth $63 million, are expected to make an impact as they transition into significant roles.
As the Devils prepare for their season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 9, all eyes will be on how these changes and returning stars align to produce a season filled with promise and potential. The upcoming training camp will be pivotal for establishing team chemistry and laying the groundwork for success in a competitive Metropolitan Division.