Sunny Mehta’s first major swing as Devils decision-maker already looks like the kind of move that can define an offseason.
New Jersey had a real mess on its hands with Jacob Markstrom. Because the Devils didn’t have anyone go to arbitration, Markstrom wasn’t eligible for a buyout on the new deal that pays him $6 million per year. That left the front office with two choices: trade him to a team not on his no-trade list, or live with the contract.
Mehta chose the trade route and sent Markstrom to the Florida Panthers for Evan Rodrigues and Jesper Boqvist. Devils fans greeted the deal like a long-awaited fix, and it did more than just clean up the Markstrom problem. It also brought in the kind of bottom-six help New Jersey had been asking for, while wiping the full $6 million off the books and opening up cap space.
That flexibility let the Devils keep building. They added Anthony Mantha and Luke Evangelista, giving the forward group a more complete look and making the roster appear legitimately deep.
But the trade also came with a real risk: the Devils are headed into the season with Nico Daws, Jake Allen, and David Rittich in goal. That’s a three-man mix that feels like a search for lightning in a bottle. It puts the burden on Daws to become something big, or on Allen to carry a starter’s load at 36.
Even now, some around the league still argue that moving Markstrom without a stronger backup plan - or a run at Connor Hellebuyck - was a mistake that could come back on the Devils. Then came Markstrom’s preseason return with Florida.
On Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes, he misplayed a puck in his crease, handed it to an opponent, and then watched Canes defenseman Dominik Badinka fire the puck off his back and into the net.
“The kids are out here making heads up plays pic.twitter.com/STNpUmFS0V”
That sequence came just six minutes into Markstrom’s debut, and it was enough to have Devils fans feeling even better about where they landed. Of course, Rittich had a shaky moment of his own against the Islanders on Sunday, skating into the middle of the defensive zone and botching a clearing attempt before the defense bailed him out.
Still, Markstrom’s night didn’t exactly help the case for those who believed he was due for a rebound. He struggled for the Devils last season, and while plenty of people still expect a bounce-back, this wasn’t the showing they were hoping for. For New Jersey, the bet on moving on from him suddenly looks a lot more reasonable.
In Other News...
Devils Already Have A Tough Bottom-Six Decision To Make
The Devils used their first preseason game to lean heavily on lower-line players and prospects, a useful early look at how the bottom of the roster might shake out before the regular season arrives. With camp still offering chances to make an impression, players such as Amadeus Lombardi have already helped add some intrigue to a group that is trying to sort out fit as much as pure talent.
Stefan Noesen looks like the likeliest player to be exposed to waivers because of roster and contract considerations, while Jesper Boqvist, acquired in an offseason trade, is another name in the mix. For New Jersey, the challenge is less about finding bodies than deciding which depth pieces best match the lineup it wants to carry into the season, and the next few preseason games should make that decision even tighter. [Read more 🡒]
Devils Fans Get An Early Look At A Much Different Lineup
After a preseason opener that offered the usual first glimpse of October hockey, the Devils are turning quickly to a much different look against the Rangers. Sheldon Keefe is rolling out a lineup far heavier on established NHL talent this time, with Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt all set to be part of the mix as New Jersey keeps building toward opening night.
The night also brings several fresh faces to Prudential Center, including Luke Evangelista, Anthony Mantha and Evan Rodrigues. Keefe pointed to Evangelistas fit on the power play, noting the value of his right-handed shot and his ability to move the puck, and this game should give Devils fans a better sense of how those additions can change the teams feel early in the preseason. [Read more 🡒]
Devils Camp Suddenly Has A Roster Battle Fans Need To Watch
Training camp in New Jersey has opened with the kind of competition every team hopes for and every fringe player dreads. The Devils are sorting through rookies, veterans and new additions as they build toward the 2026-27 season, and a recent preseason win over the Islanders only sharpened the focus on who can push their way onto the roster.
Amadeus Lombardi has turned some heads with his play in that game, giving himself a legitimate case to stick around if he keeps it up. In goal, Nico Daws looks set to handle the backup role after signing a two-year extension, and coach Sheldon Keefe has already voiced confidence in his readiness, leaving the rest of camp with a few more jobs still very much up for grabs. [Read more 🡒]