The New Jersey Devils made significant changes to both the team’s front office and roster during the 2024 offseason. Last year, the Devils went 38-39-5, missing the playoffs in a season where the team had many injured main players. This year, the Devils look to not only make the playoffs but to also possibly make a run at the Stanley Cup.
The Devils’ first main offseason acquisition was hiring Sheldon Keefe, former Maple Leafs head coach and Tampa Bay Lightning Right Wing. Over five seasons coaching in Toronto, he had a record of 212-97-40.
After finding a new head coach, The Devils acquired Goalie Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames and made a trade for Forward Paul Cotter from the Vegas Golden Knights. Cotter should add depth for scoring, and Markstrom will become the new starting Goalie—which should be an improvement for the team. The Devils also acquired Brendan Dillon from the Winnipeg Jets and Brett Pesce from the Carolina Hurricanes, which will improve the team’s defense.
However, the preseason did not go to plan for New Jersey; the team only won one out of seven games, with its only win coming from a game against the New York Rangers, 3-1.
The Devils’ first regular season game was Friday, Oct. 5 in the city of Prague, Czech Republic. Markstrom (Goalie) recorded 30 saves, allowing only one goal. Another new addition, Cotter (F) had a goal and assist, helping New Jersey win 4-1 over the Buffalo Sabres.
The following night, Saturday, Oct. 6, the Devils’ leader Jack Hughes (C) helped New Jersey win the game. Hughes created two key goals, which ended up being the difference as New Jersey won 3-1 over Buffalo.
As the New Jersey Devils continue the regular season and the team’s quest for the Stanley Cup, they look to rely on their strong goaltending and forward groups to provide success as the season continues. Hughes should continue to be a star for the Devils; this may finally be the year where the Devils can breakout and reach the peak of hockey.
According to the New York Times, the Devils have a 79% chance of making the playoffs and a 16% chance of winning their division. However, they will face a tough stretch of games during which the Devils will play some of the top teams in the league: the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Most of the teams the Devils will play in January finished last season with similar results. They had roughly the same amount of points as the New Jersey Devils. Many expect the Devils to take a step forward this year, though the extent of that progress remains to be seen.
Through their first six games, the Devils hold a record of 4-2-0 and are currently first in their division. They have secured two wins against the Buffalo Sabres, one against the Utah Hockey Club, and one against the Washington Capitals. Cotter leads the team in goals with four, while Hughes leads in assists with four. Both of the Devils’ goalies, Jacob Markstrom, and Jake Allen, have been performing at a high level, posting an average save percentage of .922.
The Devils team will be fun to watch this season, as the team comes together and looks towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
