The New Jersey Devils are starting to show signs of life again, winning three of four on a critical road trip that’s helped steady the ship after a rocky stretch. But while the wins are welcome, there are still plenty of questions surrounding this team - from Jack Hughes’ lingering injury, to the future of Dougie Hamilton, to where they stand in a tightly contested playoff race.
Let’s break it all down.
Jack Hughes: Still Not Himself
There’s no denying Jack Hughes is one of the most electric players in the NHL when he’s healthy. The problem is, he’s clearly not.
Since returning from a hand injury, Hughes has played in 17 games and managed just two goals. That’s not the Hughes we’re used to - the one who can take over a game with a single shift.
Now, he’s still producing - 12 assists in that same span, which actually leads the team - but the drop in goal scoring is hard to ignore. Before the injury, Hughes was a lock for over a point per game. Post-injury, it’s obvious something’s still off.
Former NHLer and analyst Mike Rupp voiced what a lot of Devils fans have been thinking, responding to a post on social media that suggested Hughes is “practically using one hand” out there. Rupp didn’t hold back, calling the situation “more and more concerning.” And he’s not wrong - Hughes doesn’t look comfortable, especially when it comes to shooting the puck.
The Devils need him at his best if they’re going to make a real push. Right now, it looks like he’s still fighting through something.
Dougie Hamilton’s Situation Takes a Turn
Two weeks ago, it looked like Dougie Hamilton’s days in New Jersey were numbered. After being a healthy scratch and watching his agent publicly question the team’s motives, the writing seemed to be on the wall. JP Barry, Hamilton’s agent, told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun that the decision to scratch his client was “all about business rather than his game,” and that it felt like Hamilton was being “singled out.”
General manager Tom Fitzgerald didn’t shy away from the issue, saying Hamilton was simply the “odd-man out” on a right side that was finally healthy. “This is business. Business of our lineup,” Fitzgerald said.
But here’s where things got interesting: Hamilton came back into the lineup - and looked like a completely different player. After putting up just nine points in his first 39 games, he’s doubled that total in his last eight. That’s a serious turnaround, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
With Luke Hughes sidelined for the next few weeks, Hamilton is now the Devils’ only true offensive defenseman. That changes the calculus. Instead of being trade bait, Hamilton might suddenly be too important to move - especially if New Jersey is serious about staying in the playoff hunt.
The Playoff Picture: Tight Doesn’t Even Begin to Cover It
The Devils’ recent loss to the Seattle Kraken didn’t help their cause, but they’re still hanging around in the playoff picture. With 56 points, they sit three behind the New York Islanders (59) for third in the Metropolitan Division. But it’s not just the Isles they’re chasing.
Both the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals are also ahead of New Jersey, each with 57 points. And the wild card race?
Even tougher. The Devils trail the Boston Bruins by six points for the second wild card spot - and there are four teams between them and Boston.
Translation: every game matters. Every point matters.
One bad night could be the difference between sneaking into the postseason and watching from home. The margin for error is razor-thin.
The good news? The Devils are starting to trend in the right direction. But if Jack Hughes can’t get back to full strength - and if Dougie Hamilton’s resurgence doesn’t hold - that momentum could stall fast.
There’s still time, but not much. Buckle up - the stretch run is going to be intense.