Three Critical Storylines Shaping the Devils’ 2026‑27 Campaign

The New Jersey Devils arrive at the start of the 2026‑27 NHL season with a clear mission: prove that this offseason’s overhaul can transform the franchise’s fortunes.

After a disappointing campaign in which they finished second‑to‑last in the Metropolitan Division and missed the playoffs, the Devils made sweeping changes. Sunny Mehta assumed the general manager role, the team traded veteran goaltender Jacob Markstrom, and the forward corps was augmented with notable acquisitions such as Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues and Luke Evangelista.

The challenge now is to convert those roster adjustments into on‑ice success.

New Jersey opens the regular season on October 1 against division rival Philadelphia Flyers. October offers a fresh slate for the revamped roster and provides the first real gauge of whether the offseason changes can remedy the weaknesses that plagued the team during the 2025‑26 season.

While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions from the early games, the month should reveal important indicators of the Devils’ potential throughout the full campaign.

Can Jake Allen and Nico Daws Provide Stability in Net?

The goaltending situation is the most pressing question for the Devils as October begins.

Following the trade of Markstrom, New Jersey’s primary options are Jake Allen, Nico Daws and David Rittich. Allen is slated to start the season, with Daws slated as his backup as the 25‑year‑old enters his first full NHL season.

The 36‑year‑old Allen brings veteran reliability. He posted a 17‑17‑2 record with a .904 save percentage and a 2.74 goals‑against average in 37 games for the Devils last term. Allen has repeatedly shown he can handle an NHL workload and deliver stretches of solid goaltending.

The bigger uncertainty lies with Daws. The 25‑year‑old has largely played a supporting role between New Jersey and its AHL affiliate, never receiving a prolonged NHL berth. Mehta and the organization now view October as the chance for Daws to prove he can become a reliable NHL goalie.

Daws has appeared in 55 NHL games across five seasons, posting a .898 save percentage and a 2.96 GAA. Management believes inconsistent ice time has hindered his development, and Mehta has spoken about the fresh opportunity.

For the Devils, Daws must demonstrate he can log dependable starts and earn coach Sheldon Keefe’s confidence for rotating the goaltending tandem. With Allen entering the later stages of his career, New Jersey needs both netminders to perform consistently. If Allen remains steady and Daws establishes himself, the team could finally enjoy a stable goaltending situation after last season’s irregularities.

How Quickly Will the New Forward Group Come Together?

The Devils spent the offseason reshaping their forward lines, aiming to shore up a secondary scoring lack that surfaced last term.

New Jersey has long depended on Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier to drive its offense. Injuries last season forced the club to lean heavily on that core, leaving depth scoring insufficient. The team averaged just 2.76 goals per game in 2025‑26, the sixth‑lowest mark in the league.

To address the void, the Devils added Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues, Luke Evangelista and Jesper Boqvist. Each brings a distinct skill set that could deepen the attack.

Mantha arrives after a career‑best 33‑goal, 64‑point season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, complemented by a plus‑10 rating and seven power‑play goals. At 6‑foot‑5, his size adds a physical presence the Devils have lacked, while his scoring touch provides an immediate boost.

Rodrigues contributes seasoned two‑way play and versatility, giving Keefe another reliable option across the lines. Boqvist returns to the organization with known familiarity, offering additional offensive depth.

Evangelista, acquired later in the offseason, posted 56 points (12 goals, 44 assists) with the Nashville Predators. He could initially join a line with Hischier and Meier, placing him alongside two of New Jersey’s most dynamic scorers—an environment conducive to building on his previous season’s production.

The central question heading into October is how swiftly these new pieces will gel. The roster contains ample talent, but converting that potential into a cohesive offensive unit remains the real challenge.

The Devils do not need every newcomer to shine instantly; the priority is establishing a sustainable offensive identity and generating enough secondary scoring. If the fresh additions complement the core and contribute consistently, the team should enjoy a more balanced attack than the previous year.

Can the Devils Stay Healthy?

An often overlooked but vital storyline is the Devils’ ability to remain healthy throughout the campaign.

Injuries were a decisive factor in New Jersey’s 2025‑26 woes. The club’s consistency suffered as key players—most notably Jack Hughes—missed extended periods. Hughes missed roughly two months after undergoing finger surgery, compounding previous concerns over shoulder ailments that have prevented him from playing a full 82‑game season.

Hughes is far from the only player who battled injuries. Jacob Markstrom, Arseny Gritsyuk, Luke Hughes, Stefan Noesen, and Johnathan Kovacevic all endured significant health setbacks, some requiring surgery, which hampered the Devils’ depth and rhythm.

New Jersey’s early-season momentum in 2025‑26 faded as injuries piled up. The Devils must avoid a repeat roller‑coaster and cultivate habits that support player health.

Acquiring players like Mantha, Rodrigues and Evangelista was partly to increase roster depth, ensuring that when injuries arise, the team can maintain its competitive identity without major disruptions.

October Can Set the Tone

The Devils will not be fully refined by the end of October. With numerous new faces adapting to a fresh system, growing pains are expected during the initial weeks.

What truly matters is whether New Jersey begins to exhibit signs that the offseason overhaul has addressed last season’s deficiencies. October should deliver the first genuine insight into whether the Devils can field a more stable and well‑rounded side.

With a new general manager, a revamped roster and heightened expectations, there will be plenty for Devils fans to watch and analyze throughout the opening month.

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