The New Jersey Devils are gearing up for the 2026-27 season, and as Mike G. Morreale highlights, there are three key questions looming over the team's prospects. Firstly, the health of Jack Hughes is a major concern. Hughes, a 25-year-old center, is the team's most dynamic offensive player and the engine of their attack. His durability has been an issue, missing significant games due to injuries, which has impacted the team's performance. The Devils need Hughes to stay healthy and available for at least 70 games, especially entering the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With a talented supporting cast, including Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier, Hughes' health could be the difference between a playoff hopeful and a legitimate threat. Secondly, the goaltending situation is a point of uncertainty. The departure of Jacob Markstrom has left the crease with a less certain group of Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich. Allen, 36, is likely to start, but Daws needs to prove he can be reliable and share the workload. If Daws can become a strong No. 1B, the Devils may be able to survive with an Allen-Daws tandem. Rittich provides insurance, but is not a long-term solution. Lastly, the team is considering young players who could force their way onto the roster. Right wing Lenni Hameenaho appears to have the clearest path, with eight points in 33 games last season. The Devils are also looking at young defenders like Seamus Casey and Anton Silayev, who would need an excellent camp or an injury to break through. The Devils' projected top six defense already includes Luke Hughes, Brett Pesce, Jonas Siegenthaler, Dougie Hamilton, Brenden Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic, with Declan Chisholm also in the mix. The team's success will depend on these young players stepping up and contributing, as well as the health and performance of their key players.
