It all begins tonight! The New Jersey Devils drop the puck tonight, and open their 2025-26 season. The expectations have only increased, and they’ll be tested right away against their most formidable division rival.
In the links, will they have a key defenseman back on the blueline? Plus, the experts rank the Devils’ forward group.
Elsewhere, Jack Eichel inks a new mega-deal, Kyle Connor too, and the Blueshirts have, “A long way to go.”
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Stefan Noesen was the Devils’ fourth-leading goalscorer in 2024-25. Where does he fit in the lineup when he returns from injury?
More NJHN: Brett Pesce returns to practice ahead of the Devils’ season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes. Plus, New Jersey’s newest forward, acquired from the Ottawa Senators, is recalled and joins the team for practice in the latest notebook.
The Athletic ($): Devils fans believe they have of the best forward groups in the NHL with Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt, rounded out by Timo Meier. However, where do the analysts rank them out of 32?
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Injured Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust took to the ice for practice with the team Wednesday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Rust has a lower-body injury. About a week ago, he was listed as being out for a minimum of two weeks. He was not wearing a contrasting no-contact jersey, and coach Dan Muse confirmed Rust was full-contact. It appears the winger could be cleared to return soon.
San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks have revealed their leadership group, and opted to go with no captain again in 2025-26. Instead, they’ll rotate five alternates, including one ex-Devils forward, and 19-year-old, Macklin Celebrini.
Vegas Hockey Now: Jackpot! The Vegas Golden Knights went all-in on forward Jack Eichel, extending him to a max-term contract, with a $13.5 million AAV.
Sportsnet: Eichel wasn’t the only mega deal on Wednesday, as Kyle Connor inked the richest contract in Winnipeg Jets history.
Montreal Hockey Now: Oliver Kapanen has quickly made his mark. Despite losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs in regulation, the Montreal Canadiens rookie will never forget his first goal.
Forever Blueshirts: Here’s why the New York Rangers have a “long way to go” following their opening night clunker against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.
