The regular season is officially underway this week. The New Jersey Devils drop the puck on Thursday in Raleigh when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes to open their season. It’s an immediate test, taking on the team that eliminated in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. So, if the Devils are going to take that next step this season, a bold prediction or two might have to come to fruition.
Well, we have eight.
READ MORE: Projecting the New Jersey Devils Roster & Lineup for Opening Night 2025-26
Now, by no means is the expectation that all of these predictions come true. Heck, if even one of them happens, that should mean the Devils have had a good season.
New Jersey is a team that, once again, many are high on going into the year. Last year was better than the last. But, they want this one to be great. And there’s little to no excuses anymore.
Let’s look at some bold, yet attainable, predictions.
Jack Hughes Plays 80+ Games, Scores 100+ Points
The bold prediction here is that Jack Hughes stays healthy. Not that he scores 100 points.
The thing is, they go hand in hand. If Jack stays healthy, then there is no reason to believe he won’t be above a point per-game player.
The evidence is all there. He’s been well over a point per-game pace in each of the last four seasons. He hit 99 points in, 2022-23, and Hughes can surpass it if he can stay on the ice. And, well, that’s been his issue the entire time.
Not in 2025-26, however. In the upcoming season, Jacks’ out there every night, and he’s propelling the Devils to the playoffs.
Luke Hughes Tallies 60+ Points
Jack’s not the only one who will have a career year with the last name Hughes, and we’re not talking about Quinn.
Luke Hughes got a late start to training camp. He held out for more money, and he got it. Now, he’ll need to live up to the contract.
And hey, perhaps he gets off to a slow start. I mean, he didn’t even play in the preseason. But at some point, he’ll find his stride, take sole ownership of QB PP1 duties, and usurp the role of the No.1 defenseman in New Jersey.
The Devils paid him to be that man, and he’s not going to make them wait.
Dougie Hamilton Traded
Which means Dougie Hamilton is expendable. The Devils’ blueline is deep. With a breakout by Luke, they can afford to move on from Hamilton’s services, and could certainly use the cap space.
The Devils won’t just trade him for the sake of trade, however. They’ll be making a hockey trade in this instance. Say for, one Jason Robertson?
The Dallas Stars want a right-shot defenseman. The Devils could still use a top-six winger.
Hey, it’s a fit.
Nico Hischier Wins the Selke
This is the year of Nico Hischier.
The Devils captain took another step in his development last season, netting 35 goals. However, that won’t win him the Selke.
He’s bigger and stronger this season, and one major hurdle is no longer in front of him.
Aleksander Barkov.
Hischier won’t just win because Barkov is hurt, however. He’s a true Selke candidate with elite defensive prowess as a forward. In 2025-26, he shows why he’s the best, all while scoring 30-plus goals.
Arseny Gritsyuk Wins the Calder
Was preseason not enough to convince you that Arseny Gritsyuk is transitioning well to the North American game?
Gritsyuk’s shown to be a dynamic offensive forward with an elite shot and playmaking ability. He’s formed solid chemistry quickly with his linemates, and has a motor that just doesn’t stop running.
He never eclipsed more than 19 goals or 44 points in the KHL, but the smaller ice worked to his advantage in the NHL, and he collects 20 goals and 60 points.
Is that enough to win the Calder? It could be close.
Paul Cotter Scores 25 Goals
And if that happens, Paul Cotter is going to be a beneficiary.
Cotter has shown flashes of his own offensive potential, so this doesn’t completely ride on Gritsyuk’s season. However, skating with the dynamic Russian in mismatches on the fourth line could help.
The 25-year-old forward explained he’s working his way toward PP2 minutes, and he’ll earn it. With the combination of power play time, and a boost from Gritsyuk’s playmaking ability, Cotter has a career year, and shows his full offensive potential.
Call him Tkachuk-lite.
Simon Nemec Collects 40 Points
Simon Nemec was one of, if not the most impressive Devils skater in preseason.
He looked nothing like his 2024-25 self, in the sense that he’s full of confidence. Thus, his decision-making is better, his skating is better, puck transition, you name it. Plus, he’s clearly bigger and stronger than last season.
Nemec isn’t like Luke. He was never an overwhelming point collector. Instead, Nemec is more established in the two zones outside the attacking end of the ice.
Still, Nemec has shown flashes of playmaking and distributing ability. This season, he puts it all together, and becomes a steady and reliable defender, while netting 10 goals and 30 assists.
Shane Lachance Earns Full-Time Role
One of the things the Devils lack is size. They’re just not a physically menacing team. They could use some of that.
Enter Shane Lachance.
And now, Lachance isn’t just going to earn a spot on the roster because he’s 6-foot-4, 200-lbs. There’s a lot to like about Lachance.
He’s incredibly difficult to push off the puck, which helps him in the offensive zone when Lachance is below the goal line. He’ll live down there and either distribute to the front of the net, or pop in front of the goaltender to play a disruptor. He’s got silky smooth hands in tight spaces, which is impressive for his large frame.
Plus, he’ll go into corners and win his puck battles due to his strength.
It’s an added bonus that he carries himself like a captain who has been in the league for 15 years. Not only is the player a great addition to the lineup, but so is the person.
Lachance earns himself a full-time role in the Devils’ bottom-six, establishing himself as an NHLer, and plays an effective role that’s been missing in New Jersey.
Think young Kevin Hayes. That’s what I see in Lachance.
