It Ain’t Over ‘Til it’s Over: Where to Find the Devils After Their Round One Exit

Although the New Jersey Devils were eliminated in Round One of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes, the team won’t be out of sight anytime soon. With the IIHF World Championship beginning on May 9, Devils fans will have plenty to cheer for as several familiar faces take the ice to represent their home countries. From veteran leaders to rising prospects, the tournament promises to showcase the intensity of New Jersey on international rinks. Here’s where you’ll find some of your favorite Devils players continuing their season beyond the playoffs.

The “Super Swiss Trio” 

Switzerland will be well-represented by several Devils players, including captain Nico Hischier, forward Timo Meier, and defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler—all of whom proudly call the country home. This comes as no surprise for Hischier, who will be making his fifth consecutive appearance in Switzerland for the World Championship. In 2024, he posted six goals and 11 points in 10 games, largely contributing to his team earning a silver medal. During this year’s playoffs with the Devils, Hischier added 4 goals in 5 games, proving he’s ready to carry that momentum internationally once again. 

Meier, who earned an assist on one of Hischier’s playoff goals, will also join his captain in playing for Switzerland. He competed in the World Championship in 2018—when he helped the team secure a silver medal—as well as in 2021 and 2022, where he earned three goals and five assists in eight games. In the Devils’ regular season, he recorded an impressive 26 goals and 27 assists while also taking numerous hits along the way. Now returning to the Worlds for the first time in three years, Meier will be sure to show how much his absence has been felt. 

To complete the “Super Swiss Trio,” as the team calls them, Siegenthaler will join his teammates for his second consecutive appearance at the Worlds, after winning silver last year. He’s also played for the Swiss in the 2021 and 2022 tournaments. This past season was a challenging one for Siegenthaler, as a lower-body injury sustained in early February sidelined him until the playoffs. Back to full health, he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his trademark defensive presence.

Goalie on the Go

Devils goaltender Jacob Markström has a rich history of playing in the Worlds, dating back to 2010, when he won bronze. In 2013, he won a gold medal with Sweden, serving as a backup goaltender and winning two games during the tournament. One of his more memorable international moments came in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where he helped Sweden capture bronze in what was thought to be the end of the tournament until its recently announced return in 2028. Markström has been a key contributor for the Devils this year, particularly in the playoffs, where he started the series with 41 saves in Game One and closed it with 49 saves in Game Five. With these accolades, fans are eager to see how he’ll perform in his fifth appearance at the Worlds in defense of his home country. 

Baby’s First Steps 

In the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Devils selected Finnish right wing Lenni Hämeenaho much to the satisfaction of Devils chief scout Mark Dennehy. At the time, Dennehy spoke highly of the then-18-year-old, saying, “We like his wall play. We like his intelligence…We’re really happy with Lenni.” Now 20, Hämeenaho continues to develop, and Devils fans will get an idea of his skillset as he represents Finland at the Worlds. In 2023, he appeared in the IIHF World Junior Championship, scoring 2 points in 5 games, and in 2024, he improved with 4 goals and 6 points. His performance at the Worlds could play a significant role in shaping his future with the Devils. 

Devils hockey may be over, but not all the players will be spending the postseason on the golf course. With international pride on the line, the IIHF World Championship offers Devils players a chance to compete at a high level and fans an opportunity to keep rooting for their favorites. Throughout the month of May, New Jersey’s talent will be on full display across the globe. Be on the lookout as these players not only make their mark on international ice, but also give you a glimpse of what’s next to come next season.