New Jersey Devils News

New Jersey's defensive game has struggled early in the 2025-26 season, allowing nine goals through two games (1-1-0), and will hope for better results with Allen between the pipes for the first time this season. The 35-year-old Allen had a sizable role as the Devils' backup last season, posting a 2.66 GAA, .906 SV%, and four shutouts in 31 appearances (13-16-1). The Devils enter Monday's contest as -119 road favorites against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that had an offensive outburst on Saturday, defeating the Minnesota Wild 7-4 for their first win of the season.

New Jersey's defensive game has struggled early in the 2025-26 season, allowing nine goals through two games (1-1-0), and will hope for better results with Allen between the pipes for the first time this season. The 35-year-old Allen had a sizable role as the Devils' backup last season, posting a 2.66 GAA, .906 SV%, and four shutouts in 31 appearances (13-16-1). The Devils enter Monday's contest as -119 road favorites against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that had an offensive outburst on Saturday, defeating the Minnesota Wild 7-4 for their first win of the season.

The Devils will likely turn to Markstrom between the pipes on Thursday in their season-opening matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 35-year-old Markstrom had a solid, albeit unspectacular, first season with the Devils in 2024-25, posting a 2.50 GAA, .900 SV%, and four shutouts in 49 games (26-16-6). The Devils enter Thursday's contest as +150 road underdogs against a Hurricanes team that is widely believed to be a top Stanley Cup contender.

Pesce has practiced sparingly over the last week, recovering from an undisclosed injury, but will suit up for New Jersey's season opener on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 30-year-old Pesce will look to improve after his first season with the Devils in 2024-25, averaging 21:19 time-on-ice and scoring 17 points (3G / 14A) in 72 games.

MacEwen split time last season between the Ottawa Senators and Belleville Senators (AHL), and could see a similar role this year with New Jersey and Utica (AHL). The 29-year-old forward has 34 points (17G / 17A) in 237 career NHL games.

Noesen missed the entire preseason, and head coach Sheldon Keefe did not have an update on his status, but did say he's "not close to being ready to play." Expect Noesen to open the season on IR.

Casey is expected to start the year on IR, and head coach Sheldon Keefe said he's "not expecting to see him back on skates anytime in the near future." Casey will miss some time and will likely open his season in the AHL.

Pesce is skating on his own, but the Devils aren't sure what his availability will be for the season opener on Thursday. The Devils should have several practices early next week, so Pesce's status should be well established prior to their game vs. Carolina.

There was no update on Pesce's status following his exit from Thursday's preseason game due to an undisclosed injury. The 30-year-old Pesce will look to improve after his first season with the Devils in 2024-25, averaging 21:19 time-on-ice and scoring 17 points (3G / 14A) in 72 games.

After a long summer of back-and-forth contract negotiations, New Jersey and Luke Hughes have agreed to a seven-year extension worth $9 million AAV ($63M total). The 22-year-old was New Jersey's 2021 1st round pick (4th overall) and is entering his third full season with the Devils after putting up seven goals, 44 points and 121 SOG in 71 games played.

Devils' head coach Sheldon Keefe said that Noesen is progressing, but is not expected to see any preseason action. With Noesen injured, rookie Arseny Gritsyuk is likely to make the Devils roster out of training camp. At this point, consider Noesen doubtful to be ready for New Jersey's season opener on October 9th.

Kovacevic, who got hurt in the playoffs last season, underwent knee surgery over the summer and is still in the process of rehabbing. When the Devils opened training camp on Thursday, they announced that Kovacevic is out with no timetable for his return.

Noesen was not on the ice when the Devils opened training camp on Thursday, and he is expected to miss some time with a groin injury. It's unclear if Noesen, who is coming off of a career-best 22 goals and 41 points, will be ready for the season opener.