What New Jersey’s Preseason Says About the Season Ahead
With the 2025-26 preseason wrapped, the Devils sit at a 3–2–2 record and have shown flashes of promise in games like their 3-1 win against the New York Rangers. While preseason records don’t always translate directly, this shows that the Devils are experimenting with depth, giving veterans and prospects opportunities to build chemistry before the stakes get real. The performance in those matchups gives the coaching staff a glimpse at how lineups might mesh, where the defense needs tightening, and which goaltenders are ready to take on a larger role. Although the team could have a good chance, New Jersey will need to tighten up in front of the net and control puck possession more carefully if they want a strong start once the regular season kicks off.
Offensively, some encouraging signs have emerged. In a big 6-2 win over the Islanders, veterans and role players stepped up, contributing goals and showing they have chemistry and are contenders. The organization will look for that strong scoring to carry into the regular season, because if Dawson Mercer, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt can be supported by secondary forwards, the Devils’ attack becomes less reliant on stars. Also, Jack Hughes has returned from an injury that cut his previous season short. His presence brings speed, creativity, and leadership that can reignite the team’s top line and take pressure off the defense.
Still, preseason games also showed defensive mistakes that won’t fly when the games really count. The odd-man rushes highlighted these issues and left the Devils’ goaltenders out to dry. The defense core must translate its promise into consistency under pressure. However, Dougie Hamilton can deliver both defensively and offensively, notching 40 points last season, also scoring in the 6-2 win against the Islanders. If Hamilton and the rest of the blue line can combine their skill with greater defensive discipline, the Devils could create a strong start to the regular season.
As the regular season begins, the biggest question for the Devils will be how they can turn preseason chemistry into real wins. Their opening stretch features tough opponents like the Rangers, Penguins, and Hurricanes. These games will be early tests that will reveal just how ready this team truly is. Watch for how the defensive pairings settle, especially with young blueliners like Simon Nemec and newly re-signed Luke Hughes expected to handle big minutes. Goaltending stability will also be under the microscope; a hot start from Jacob Markström could set the tone for the entire year. If New Jersey can tighten up defensively and maintain its offensive depth, October might be the month that shows the Devils are ready to make noise again in the Eastern Conference.
