I know the New Jersey Devils most recent stretch has led to a lot of doom and gloom, both here and in other Devils-centric circles around the internet. It’s merited when you consider the expectations for the team versus the results so far. At the same time, I understand the voices that are tired of the amount of negativity; it’s a lot and it’s frustrating when all we want is for there to be an exciting on ice product and a management team that is competent enough to get to that point.
All that aside, all hope should not be lost quite yet. Yes, two wins in a row is nothing to be excited about, but the Devils are still just four points out of a playoff spot. Maybe they would have to jump five other teams to get in that spot, but stranger things have happened in NHL history. What’s stopping this group from getting their heads together? What’s stopping them from going on a few more win streaks to get in front of teams above them?
Well, depending upon how much stock you put into recent reporting, there could be quite a bit in the way. Namely, a fractured locker room and some hurt feelings. Additionally, it could depend on how accurate you feel the reports about the team trying to trade Dougie Hamilton and Ondrej Palat are. The latter point is out of the hands of the players: management is going to do whatever they can that they believe will help the team, and that requires the cooperation of other franchises as well.
The former point above, however, is not out of their hands; the Devils players all are playing not only for money and contracts but also for the chance to lift the Stanley Cup. That should be the ultimate goal for everyone in that locker room right now. Everyone in there is also an adult of varying ages: it’s time to stop caring about hurt feelings, or the business side of hockey, which again, is out of their control. Quash the arguments (if they’re real and/or haven’t already) get back on the same page, and start playing the brand of hockey that allowed this group to tick off eight in a row earlier this season even with suspect goaltending!
Maybe you feel this Devils team isn’t good enough, and there’s evidence to support that. At the same time, there’s enough talent that the group shouldn’t be as bad as they were for the past month or so. There’s more than enough fight in this set of players that they shouldn’t be getting embarrassed 9-0. The core players for the most part are in their prime years; they should be getting back to what made them so electric in seasons where they saw more success. Yes, systems and other small pieces might be out of their control, but that’s not an excuse for not maximizing their play to their level of talent on a nightly basis.
I’m also sure there are some voices out there that would rather see the Devils maximize their draft pick position. While the Devils haven’t drafted poorly per se in recent memory, it’s not like they’ve built a juggernaut through the draft either. And if some of the aforementioned trades do go through, there may have to be some draft compensation attached to balance out the deal. Between that and how rough it was watching (and writing about) this team in the mid/late-2010s, I’m done rooting for better draft position. I want Jack Hughes to start being Jack Hughes again and dominating games. I want Jesper Bratt to keep tallying more and more points. I want Nico Hischier to keep playing clutch hockey just like he did last night. Heck, it’s almost time for March Meier Madness again, and a player like Timo heating up could also push this team higher in the standings.
There’s roughly three months (and an Olympic break) left in this NHL season, and while things may not look good, I’m not ready to throw in the towel yet. You can count me in the voices that were negative the last few weeks; heck, when a team is losing, it’s a lot easier to discuss that. But I still believe there’s a chance this group of player can pull themselves together. I still believe a couple of small moves, maybe a properly timed call-up from Utica, and a couple of good strings of strong play can get this team back to the dance. And as it is always said it sports, once you make the playoffs, anything can happen from there.
The 2025-26 season can be saved. Mismanagement be damned, the New Jersey Devils players just have to want it enough.
What are your thoughts on the team attempting to salvage their current season; are things too far gone? Do you believe the players can be the catalyst to turning things around? Are you worried that if the team does find a way to succeed, it saves the jobs of certain underperforming non-player personnel? Are there smaller moves you’d like to see made that you think could help the team to be more successful overall? Leave any and all comments down below and thanks as always for reading!