The New Jersey Devils are gearing up for the 2026-27 NHL season with a mix of strategic signings and trades, aiming to bolster their forward depth and overall competitiveness. The team's recent moves include acquiring Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues, and Jesper Boqvist, while also adding goalie David Rittich and defenseman Declan Chisholm. These additions come after a challenging 2025-26 season where the Devils missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, finishing seventh in the Metropolitan Division with a 42-37-3 record.
Mantha, a 31-year-old left-shot right wing, is a significant addition to the Devils' forward group. His previous season with the Pittsburgh Penguins saw him set career highs in goals, assists, and points, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively. Mantha's experience and scoring prowess make him a valuable asset, especially with his size and playmaking skills.
Rodrigues, acquired in a trade with the Florida Panthers, brings a different dynamic to the team. The 32-year-old forward has a history of success, having won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers in 2024 and 2025. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, as evidenced by his 31 points in 69 games last season, makes him a versatile player.
Boqvist, also acquired from the Panthers, is a young forward with potential. The 27-year-old had a solid season with 13 points in 73 games, and his previous experience in helping Florida win the Cup adds to his value. Boqvist's development and the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent after this season make him an intriguing piece for the Devils.
The Devils also addressed their goaltending situation by signing Rittich, a 33-year-old goalie with NHL experience across multiple teams. His performance with the New York Islanders last season, including a 2.76 GAA and .894 save percentage, indicates his reliability and ability to make key saves.
Chisholm, a 26-year-old defenseman, adds depth to the Devils' blue line. His defensive skills, as shown by his seven points, 22 blocked shots, and 13:44 of ice time per game, make him a valuable asset. Chisholm's left-handed shot and one season left on his contract further contribute to the team's overall balance.
However, the Devils' needs extend beyond these acquisitions. The team is seeking a playoff-proven center who can win net-front battles and contribute significantly in scoring. The departure of Jacob Markstrom, a key goalie, and the potential need for a 1A or 1B goalie before the trade deadline highlight the team's ongoing challenges.
Despite these considerations, the Devils have taken steps to strengthen their lineup. The signing of Nico Hischier to a five-year extension demonstrates the team's commitment to building a competitive roster. Hischier's leadership and belief in the team's potential, as expressed in his quote, further emphasize the positive direction the organization is heading.
In terms of fantasy value, Jack Hughes stands out as a top prospect. His 77 points in 61 games last season, including 41 points in 25 games post-Olympics, showcase his exceptional talent. Hughes' high fantasy ceiling and rankings in top-tier leagues further solidify his potential impact.
The projected lineup for the Devils includes a mix of established and emerging players. Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer form a strong first line, while Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, and Connor Brown contribute to the second line. Arseny Gritsyuk, Cody Glass, and Anthony Mantha form the third line, and Jesper Boqvist, Nick Bjugstad, and Evan Rodrigues make up the fourth. The defense features a mix of experienced and young players, including Jonas Siegenthaler, Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic.
In summary, the New Jersey Devils are making strategic moves to enhance their forward depth and overall competitiveness. The acquisitions of Mantha, Rodrigues, and Boqvist, along with the addition of Rittich and Chisholm, provide a solid foundation. However, the team's ongoing needs, particularly in goaltending and forward depth, require further attention. The organization's commitment to building a competitive roster, as evidenced by Hischier's extension, bodes well for the team's future success.
