Articles / Barring injury, are Devils finally primed to contend?

Barring injury, are Devils finally primed to contend?

S
Sportsnet
Oct 20, 2025 11:43 AM

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The New Jersey Devils are entering the new NHL season with high expectations and a roster that looks poised to contend for a championship. With the addition of key players like Tyler Toffoli and the return of stars such as Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, the Devils are looking to build on their recent successes. The combination of youthful energy and experienced talent provides a solid foundation for a deep playoff run.

A central figure in their aspirations is goaltender Vitek Vanecek, who will need to maintain his form and handle the pressures that come with being the last line of defense. In front of him, the defensive core, including Dougie Hamilton, will be critical in ensuring the team can compete against the formidable offenses in the league. The coaching staff, led by Lindy Ruff, is confident that this group can handle the higher stakes.

As the season approaches, the Devils are not only focusing on the regular season but also on the potential for playoff success. Their impressive record in the previous season has laid a strong groundwork, but critics will be watching closely to see if they can translate that momentum into postseason success. With strong contenders in the Metropolitan Division, every game will be crucial as the Devils look to assert themselves among the NHL elite.

For fans, the question remains: can the Devils finally put it all together and emerge as serious contenders? As the roster solidifies and the preseason progresses, excitement is building in New Jersey, with players like Hughes and Hischier ready to lead the charge towards a hopeful championship season.