The 2026-27 NHL season is underway. Rookie camps have concluded, training camps are in progress, and teams are working to finalize their rosters before opening night.
The New Jersey Devils are no exception. After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, New Jersey is aiming to return to the postseason. With several new players joining the organization this offseason, roster competition is expected to be fierce. These are three Devils prospects who could stand out during the preseason.
Amadeus Lombardi
New Jersey acquired Amadeus Lombardi from the Detroit Red Wings during the 2026 offseason. The Devils sent their fourth-round selection, 108th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft to Detroit, which used the pick to select Adam Levac.
Lombardi spent the past three seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate. Last season, he recorded 42 points in 47 games, establishing himself as a productive offensive presence at the AHL level. If he continues to develop, he could give the Devils another scoring option.
Lombardi has already drawn attention in training camp. He has been paired with Connor Brown and Cody Glass and has shown strong chemistry with both linemates. With Nick Bjugstad expected to miss four to six months after pectoral muscle surgery, an opportunity has opened in the lineup. If Lombardi continues to make an impact through the preseason, he could push for a spot on the opening-night roster.
Anton Silaev
Anton Silaev is one of the Devils’ most intriguing prospects. New Jersey selected him 10th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, but the Russian-born defenseman remained in his home country for the past two seasons. Last year, he played for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the Kontinental Hockey League, recording three points in 61 games.
Silaev was not drafted for his offensive production. At 6-foot-7, his greatest strengths are his reach, physical presence and ability to limit opponents’ time and space. He also has the tools to become an effective enforcer as he continues developing with the Devils.
Silaev could have a chance to make the opening-night roster depending on his preseason performance. Johnathan Kovacevic is away from training camp while rehabilitating a knee injury. If Kovacevic is not ready to begin the season, Silaev could be in position to make a strong case for the available defenseman spot.
Nico Daws
The 2026-27 season could be Nico Daws’ opportunity to establish himself as a full-time NHL goaltender. After the Devils traded Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers, Jake Allen was expected to serve as the team’s starting goaltender. New Jersey also signed David Rittich to a one-year contract during free agency, but the additional depth should not prevent Daws from competing for a larger role.
Rittich was signed to provide insurance in goal. If Allen or Daws needs a night off, Rittich can step into the crease. A three-goaltender setup could give Daws the chance to play regularly and prove he belongs in the NHL full time.
Over the past five seasons, Daws has been called up by the Devils several times and has already appeared in 55 NHL games. General manager Sunny Mehta now has the opportunity to let Daws continue growing as a player and find his long-term role with the organization.
Devils Preseason Begins on Sunday
Although the first preseason games began Saturday, the Devils make their debut Sunday, Sept. 20, when they host the New York Islanders at 1 p.m. ET.