With the New Jersey Devils set to kick off their 2026-27 NHL season against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 1, the team is finalizing its lineup and depth chart. General Manager Sunny Mehta has made significant moves during his first offseason, aiming to align the roster with the structured playing style favored by head coach Sheldon Keefe.
One of the most impactful changes is the acquisition of forward Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators, a trade that involved two draft picks. Evangelista is expected to bring his playmaking skills and work ethic to the second line, joining star center Jack Hughes and consistent point producer Jesper Bratt. The Devils' top forward line remains intact, featuring wingers Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer alongside captain Nico Hischier, who recently signed a five-year contract extension.
In addition to Evangelista, the Devils have bolstered their bottom-six forward group with free agent Anthony Mantha, who had a standout year with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season. Mantha's physical style and ability to score timely goals will be crucial for a team eager to return to the playoffs. Veteran Evan Rodrigues, who played a key role in the Florida Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2023-24 and 2024-25, will also contribute to the team's forward depth. Young players like Cody Glass and Arseny Gritsyuk are expected to see increased ice time, while versatile forward Jesper Boqvist will compete for a spot in the lineup alongside wingers Connor Brown and Stefan Noesen.
The defensive lineup presents a more complex picture, particularly regarding the deployment of 22-year-old Luke Hughes. Known for his offensive capabilities, Hughes will likely pair with a more physical defenseman such as Brett Pesce or Jonathan Kovacevic. Last season, Hughes struggled when paired with veteran Brendan Dillon, so finding the right partner will be essential for his development. Dillon is anticipated to team up with Dougie Hamilton, allowing Hamilton to focus on his offensive game while Dillon provides defensive support.
Declan Chisholm, acquired from the Washington Capitals prior to the 2026 NHL Draft, is expected to serve as the seventh defenseman. Chisholm's experience, having played for multiple teams in his five NHL seasons, will add depth to the defensive corps.
Goaltending remains the most significant question mark for the Devils as they head into the new season. After trading Jacob Markstrom to the Panthers, the team is looking to Jake Allen to step up as the full-time starter. Allen, who had a solid performance last season, will be entering his 14th NHL season. His experience and ability to save goals above expected will be vital for the Devils.
David Rittich, who served as a backup for the New York Islanders last season, is expected to compete with Nico Daws for the backup position. Rittich's experience and recent performance give him an edge, but Daws, still young at 25, is looking to prove himself worthy of a more permanent role on the roster. The trend of NHL teams carrying three goaltenders may also influence the Devils' strategy early in the season, as both Rittich and Daws could see playing time.
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