Bold Predictions for 2026-27 New Jersey Devils – Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

After another disappointing campaign that fell well short of Stanley Cup expectations, the New Jersey Devils began the season by overhauling their leadership structure, hiring new general manager Sunny Mehta. While the core of Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, Luke Hughes and Timo Meier remains intact for now, questions about roster formation, defensive depth, goaltending, and the future of defenseman Simon Nemec continue to dominate discussions.

With a new front office, increased expectations, and several key decisions looming — including Hischier’s contract extension — next season will be crucial for the Devils. Here are five bold predictions for the 2026-27 season.

Jack Hughes Completes Top Three in Hart Trophy Voting

Jack Hughes has already established himself as one of the NHL’s offensive talents, but next season could be the year he enters the Hart Trophy conversation. The Devil’s success often paralleled Hughes’ life and production. He’s battled injuries throughout his career, and fitness will be a big factor in determining whether he can put up a Hart-caliber campaign over 82 games.

However, when healthy, Hughes has consistently produced at a high level, showing his ability to take over games with his speed, intelligence, and offensive instincts. If he stays healthy next season, there’s good reason to believe he can challenge for 100 points and more while leading one of the most dangerous offenses in the league.

A fully healthy top six, improved roster depth, and another year of maturation from the team’s elite could create the perfect environment for Hughes to post career-best numbers. At the end of the season, he will be named alongside the NHL’s biggest stars in the Hart Trophy race and finish among the top three in voting.

The Devils will be a top contender in the Playoffs

Anything short of playoff success will be considered a disappointment in 2026-27. Despite the recent frustrations, the Devils still have one of the strongest cores in the NHL. Hischier remains one of the league’s best centers, Bratt continues to produce at a high level, and Luke Hughes is poised to take another big step forward. The roster is too talented to keep spinning its wheels in the first round even if it misses the playoffs entirely.

New Jersey’s front office also appears motivated to make significant upgrades this summer. It’s almost guaranteed that Mehta will explore ways to improve the front while creating more salary cap flexibility. Assuming he successfully addresses at least one major roster need, the Devils should enter the season as a legitimate playoff threat.

Luke Hughes Goes Out as Norris Trophy Finalist

Luke Hughes has already established himself as one of the NHL’s most promising young defensemen, but next season, he could make the leap from rising star to elite blueliner. Since arriving in New Jersey, Hughes has consistently displayed a skill set that has made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the league.

His skating ability allows him to create separation with ease. His vision makes him a constant threat to play from the end, and his confidence with the puck has turned him into a key driver of the Devils’ offense. As his responsibilities continued to grow, so did his impact on the game.

The 2026-27 season looks like a great opportunity for Hughes to take his game to the next level. With more NHL experience under his belt and a bigger role in every situation, he could emerge as one of the league’s most productive and dynamic defensemen. While his offensive talent has never been in question, the continued improvement of his defensive game could be what unlocks his greatest potential.

A 70-point season is not a wild guess. If Hughes continues to attack with even strength, shut down opponents from behind, and log heavy minutes against top competition, he has the tools to rank among the NHL’s highest scoring defensemen.

More importantly, if he can combine that production with noticeable growth in his defensive play, he’ll begin to earn the kind of league-wide recognition reserved for elite blueliners. Being a Norris Trophy finalist is a lofty expectation, but elite young defensemen often make incredible leaps. Hughes seems poised to be the next player to do just that.

Simon Nemec is No Longer the Devil on Opening Night

This prediction may be controversial, but it feels increasingly real. Simon Nemec remains one of the organization’s most talented young assets, yet uncertainty over his future continues to grow. Reports and speculation throughout the offseason have linked him to trade talks, with several analysts suggesting the Devils could use him as their primary veteran to pursue immediate program development.

The Devils will face salary cap challenges, with several important contract decisions coming up. Moving Nemec would allow Mehta to address an immediate need, especially if the return includes a top six that can help the team win now.

Trading the 2022 second overall pick would be a bold move, but the franchise believes its championship window is now open. If the right offer comes along, Nemec could be the subject of a major offseason trade.

Mehta Makes Franchise-Altering Move

Many new general managers like to ease into the role. Mehta doesn’t have that luxury. The Devils have made it clear that they want to be a Stanley Cup contender, and Mehta inherits a roster that many believe is capable of much more than what it showed last season.

He has already reiterated his optimism about the team’s core while admitting that creative solutions will be needed to improve the system. That combination makes a blockbuster move feel overwhelming.

Whether it involves scoring in the top six, overhauling the blue line, or dealing with long-term salary issues, expect Mehta to leave his fingerprints on the roster as soon as this summer. The Devils have too much talent and too much urgency to run into one team and hope for different results. At the end of the season, fans will look back on one big moment as the moment when Mehta officially began shaping the franchise with his vision.

The Upcoming Season of the Devils

The 2026-27 season will be a turning point for the Devils. The foundation remains strong, with exceptional talent at every position and a core still entering its prime. However, patience is starting to wear thin after many seasons that failed to live up to expectations. Bold predictions should be ambitious. For a franchise desperately looking for its next step forward, ambition is exactly what the season needs.