Devils’ January Review: Hischier Leads the Charge as Injuries and Adversity Test New Jersey’s Depth
January was a rollercoaster for the New Jersey Devils - and not the fun kind. A four-game losing streak out of the gate set a grim tone, and while the team managed to string together some wins later in the month, they ultimately closed out with a 7-8-0 record. That’s not where a playoff hopeful wants to be, especially with injuries piling up and the lineup in constant flux.
Right now, the Devils are navigating a stretch without key contributors like Stefan Noesen, Luke Hughes, and now Jack Hughes. The coaching staff has been shuffling lines like a blackjack dealer, trying to find combinations that can hold the fort. With the Olympic break looming and the playoff race tightening in the Metropolitan Division, the pressure is on.
Still, amid the turbulence, a few players stood tall in January. Let’s take a closer look at the Devils’ three stars of the month - the guys who rose above the noise and made a real impact.
Third Star: Dougie Hamilton - A Statement Month from the Blue Line
Dougie Hamilton’s season has been under the microscope - and not in a flattering way. Early on, he looked out of sync, taking untimely penalties and struggling to find his rhythm. There was even chatter that he might be moved before the trade deadline.
But that narrative took a sharp turn in January.
After being benched in a game against the Winnipeg Jets, Hamilton responded the way veterans are supposed to - with his play. He rattled off a nine-game point streak, highlighted by two goals and five power-play points. Offensively, he looked like the Dougie of old, firing three or more shots on goal in eight different games during the month.
His fingerprints were all over the Devils’ 5-2 win over the Minnesota Wild, where he assisted on both of Jesper Bratt’s third-period goals. And when the Devils needed a spark against the Nashville Predators, Hamilton delivered again, tying the game and setting the stage for a gutsy 3-2 OT win at home.
In total, Hamilton put up three goals and 10 assists in January - a massive turnaround considering he had just one assist combined in November and December. With Luke Hughes sidelined until after the Olympics, Hamilton’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. If he can keep this pace, he might be the key to keeping the Devils’ blue line - and their playoff hopes - intact.
Second Star: Jack Hughes - Still Elite, Even When Battling Through
Jack Hughes may have only scored twice in January, but don’t let that fool you - he was still producing at a point-per-game pace, dishing out 13 assists and driving play every time he hit the ice.
Since returning from finger surgery, Hughes hasn’t missed a beat. He’s averaged over three shots on goal per game, and according to NHL Edge data, his 127 shots this season are more than double the league average for forwards. That’s not just volume - it’s sustained offensive pressure.
Even after missing a month, Hughes still ranks third on the team in points. He also leads all Devils forwards (minimum 10 games played) in goals-for percentage at 55.95%, a stat that speaks to his impact beyond the scoresheet.
Unfortunately, the Devils are going to have to navigate another stretch without him. Hughes logged just 2:27 of ice time against Nashville before exiting with a lower-body injury.
The good news? It doesn’t appear to be serious, and there’s optimism he’ll be ready to represent Team USA at the Olympics.
Still, there’s no sugarcoating it - losing Hughes again is a blow. His creativity, speed, and vision are the heartbeat of New Jersey’s offense, and replacing that isn’t easy.
First Star: Nico Hischier - Captain Clutch, Leading by Example
If there’s one player who embodies what it means to wear the “C” in New Jersey, it’s Nico Hischier.
The Devils’ captain has been the steadying force in a turbulent season, and January was a showcase of everything he brings to the table. He scored seven goals during the month and now leads the team with 41 points on the year.
But it’s not just the numbers - it’s the moments.
Hischier delivered two overtime game-winners in January. Against the Seattle Kraken, he scored twice, including a slick backhand in OT that sealed a 3-2 win.
Then, with the game on the line against Nashville, he took a feed from Dawson Mercer and blasted a slapshot past Justus Annunen just 42 seconds into overtime. That goal moved him into third place on the franchise’s all-time OT goals list - trailing only Jack Hughes and Patrik Elias.
And if you’re looking for a stat that screams “elite two-way center,” look no further than the faceoff dot. Hischier leads the entire NHL in both faceoffs taken (1,189) and faceoff wins (656).
That’s not just volume - that’s dominance. He’s been a possession machine, giving the Devils crucial puck control in tight games.
But beyond the stats, it’s the intangibles that make Hischier so valuable. He’s the guy rallying the bench, setting the tone, and dragging his team into the fight when things get tough. In a month filled with adversity, Nico Hischier was the Devils’ heartbeat.
What’s Next: February Brings Opportunity - and Olympic Distractions
The Devils will open February with two more home games before the Olympic break, facing off against the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Islanders - both of whom are right in the thick of the Metropolitan Division playoff race.
After that, seven Devils players will head to Italy, representing Team USA, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Sweden on the Olympic stage. That’s a point of pride for the organization, but it also means the team will need to refocus quickly once the NHL schedule resumes.
New Jersey wraps the month with back-to-back games against the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins, followed by a road tilt with the St. Louis Blues. Every point matters now, and the Devils don’t have much margin for error.
If they want to claw their way back into playoff contention, they’ll need more of what we saw from Hischier, Hughes (when healthy), and Hamilton in January. The pieces are there - the question is whether they can stay healthy, stay consistent, and stay in the fight.