The New Jersey Devils are hitting pause during the Olympic break - and frankly, they could use the breather. After back-to-back losses to the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders, the team finds itself on a three-game skid and sitting near the bottom of the league in playoff probability. With just a 2.4% chance of making the postseason, according to current odds, this break isn’t just a scheduling quirk - it’s a much-needed reset button.
But while the NHL calendar takes a break, the international stage is just heating up. Seven Devils players are suiting up for their home countries in the 2026 Winter Olympics, and for fans, this is a chance to see their favorite players go head-to-head with the world’s best in Milan. The men’s hockey tournament kicks off on February 11, and there’s no shortage of storylines to follow.
Juho Lammikko Heads Back to Europe
One notable roster change came earlier this week, as forward Juho Lammikko was placed on waivers with the intent to terminate his NHL contract. It’s been a tough season for the 30-year-old, who managed just two assists in 24 games with the Devils. The move came shortly after the team dealt veteran Ondrej Palat to the Islanders and brought in Nick Bjugstad from the Blues - a clear sign that management is shaking things up.
Lammikko won't be waiting around. He’s already heading back to familiar territory, returning to the ZSC Lions of Switzerland’s National League. He spent three seasons with the club between NHL stints with the Panthers and Canucks, and now he’ll look to get his game back on track overseas.
Olympic-Bound: Devils Represent on the World Stage
Despite the Devils’ struggles in the standings, their roster is still brimming with international talent - and that’s on full display in Milan. Seven Devils are representing their countries in the Olympic men’s hockey tournament:
- Nico Hischier (Switzerland)
- Timo Meier (Switzerland)
- Jonas Siegenthaler (Switzerland)
- Jack Hughes (USA)
- Simon Nemec (Slovakia)
- Jesper Bratt (Sweden)
- Jacob Markstrom (Sweden)
Before heading overseas, the Devils gave their Olympians a proper send-off. Ahead of Thursday night’s game at Prudential Center, the team held a ceremony featuring members of the Jersey Girls Hockey Club, who joined the players at the blue line holding the flags of Switzerland, USA, Slovakia, and Sweden. It was a fitting tribute - a blend of local pride and global ambition.
What’s Next for the Devils?
New Jersey doesn’t return to NHL action until February 25, when they’ll host the Buffalo Sabres. Between now and then, the focus shifts from team struggles to national pride. But once the Olympic flame is extinguished, the Devils will have some serious decisions to make.
There’s no sugarcoating it: this has been a disappointing season. The team’s recent trades suggest a retool is already underway, and the final stretch of the regular season could serve as an extended audition for players hoping to be part of the next chapter.
Still, for now, there’s plenty of hockey to enjoy - just with different jerseys on. And for Devils fans, watching their stars compete on the Olympic stage might be the perfect way to stay connected to the game while the NHL takes a breather.
Devils in the Olympics: Feb. 8-15 Schedule
Here’s a look at when and where you can catch the Devils’ Olympians in action during the first week of the tournament (all times Eastern):
Wednesday, Feb. 11
- Slovakia vs. Finland (Group B) - 10:40 AM
- Sweden vs. Italy (Group B) - 3:10 PM
Thursday, Feb. 12
- Switzerland vs. France (Group A) - 6:10 AM
- Latvia vs. USA (Group C) - 3:10 PM
Friday, Feb. 13
- Finland vs. Sweden (Group B) - 6:10 AM
- Italy vs. Slovakia (Group B) - 6:10 AM
- Canada vs. Switzerland (Group A) - 3:10 PM
Saturday, Feb. 14
- Sweden vs. Slovakia (Group B) - 6:10 AM
- USA vs. Denmark (Group C) - 3:10 PM
Sunday, Feb. 15
- Switzerland vs. Czechia (Group A) - 6:10 AM
- USA vs. Germany (Group C) - 3:10 PM
Whether it’s Hughes dazzling with Team USA, Hischier leading Switzerland, or Bratt and Markstrom anchoring Sweden, there’s no shortage of Devils talent on display. And while the NHL standings may not be kind right now, the Olympics offer a fresh stage - one where Devils players can shine, and fans can dream a little bigger.