Devils Retool Around Hughes After Missing Playoffs

The Devils missed the playoffs for the second straight year, finishing 42-37-3 and seventh in the Metropolitan Division. General manager Sunny Mehta, in his first offseason with the club, addressed goaltending and added veteran depth without making a franchise-altering move. The grade reflects a modest but sensible retool around a core that still has upside.

Last season in review

New Jersey scored 230 goals and allowed 254, a minus-24 differential that tells the story of a team that could not keep the puck out of its net. Jack Hughes led the way with 27 goals and 77 points, while Jesper Bratt (22 goals, 71 points) and Nico Hischier (28 goals, 66 points) gave the Devils three legitimate offensive weapons. The problem was in goal, where Jake Allen posted a .904 save percentage in 36 appearances. The Devils needed more consistent goaltending to support their skill up front.

Ins and outs

• In: Anthony Mantha (signed as a free agent, nhl.com)
• In: David Rittich (signed as a free agent, nhl.com)
• In: Evan Rodrigues (acquired in trade from Florida, nhl.com)
• In: Jesper Boqvist (acquired in trade from Florida, nhl.com)
• In: Bobby Steeves (acquired in trade from Florida, re-signed, nhl.com)
• In: Matt Lombardi (signed, nhl.com)
• In: Nico Daws (re-signed, nhl.com)

The big question

Can the goaltending tandem of Nico Daws and David Rittich give the Devils the stability they lacked in 2025-26? Daws, 25, signed a two-year extension and will compete with Rittich, a veteran journeyman, for starts. If neither can post a save percentage above .910, the Devils will struggle to make up ground in a tough division.

X-factor

Anthony Mantha, signed to a two-year deal, brings size and offensive ability to a forward group that needs more finishing depth. The 30-year-old winger has topped 20 goals three times in his career and gives New Jersey another scoring option alongside Hughes and Bratt. If Mantha stays healthy and produces at even strength, he could be the difference between another seventh-place finish and a wild-card berth.

Bold prediction

The Devils will finish in the top four in the Metropolitan Division. Hughes will stay healthy, the goaltending will improve enough to keep them in games, and the depth additions will pay off in a tight playoff race.

The outlook

New Jersey did not swing for the fences this summer, but the moves make sense for a team that was closer to contention than its record suggests. The core is young and talented, and Mehta's analytical approach has already begun to reshape the roster. If the goaltending holds and Hughes plays a full season, the Devils should be back in the playoff conversation.