After a pair of tough losses to the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders, the New Jersey Devils are heading into the Olympic break with more questions than answers - and a clear need to regroup. This pause in NHL action couldn’t come at a better time for a team that’s dropped three straight and finds itself staring up from the bottom of the playoff picture.
But while the Devils hit pause, the international spotlight is just heating up. Seven Devils players are suiting up for their countries in the 2026 Winter Olympics, giving fans a chance to watch some familiar faces chase gold on the world stage. The men’s hockey tournament kicks off February 11, and there’s no shortage of storylines to keep an eye on.
Juho Lammikko Heads Back to Switzerland
One notable roster move happened just before the break: forward Juho Lammikko was placed on waivers with the intention of terminating his NHL contract. It’s been a tough go for the 30-year-old this season - just two assists in 24 games - and the Devils are clearly moving in a different direction.
That direction includes a recent trade that sent Ondrej Palat to the Islanders and brought in veteran center Nick Bjugstad from the Blues. For Lammikko, the next chapter takes him back to familiar territory.
He’s returning to the ZSC Lions in Switzerland’s National League, where he previously spent three seasons between NHL stints with Florida and Vancouver. It’s a move that makes sense for both sides - the Devils free up a roster spot, and Lammikko gets a fresh start in a league where he’s had success before.
Devils’ Olympic Send-Off
Before the break officially began, the Devils took a moment to honor their Olympic-bound players in front of the home crowd at Prudential Center. It was a fitting send-off for a group that’s set to represent four different nations in Milan. Members of the Jersey Girls Hockey Club joined the ceremony, standing proudly at the blue line with flags from Switzerland, the U.S., Slovakia, and Sweden.
Here’s the full list of Devils headed to the Olympics:
- Nico Hischier (Switzerland)
- Timo Meier (Switzerland)
- Jonas Siegenthaler (Switzerland)
- Jack Hughes (USA)
- Jesper Bratt (Sweden)
- Simon Nemec (Slovakia)
- Jacob Markstrom (Sweden)
That’s a strong international showing for New Jersey - and a chance for fans to see their stars compete in a best-on-best format that only the Olympics can deliver.
Looking Ahead: Reset and Refocus
The Devils won’t return to NHL action until February 25, when they host the Buffalo Sabres. That gives the team a two-week window to rest, recover, and reassess.
With the fifth-worst playoff odds in the league (2.4%), the focus down the stretch will likely shift toward development and evaluation. This break isn’t just about watching Olympic hockey - it’s about preparing for what comes next.
Whether that means giving younger players more ice time, experimenting with new line combinations, or planning for a potential roster retool in the offseason, the Devils have decisions to make. But for now, the attention turns to Milan.
Devils Olympic Schedule: Feb. 8 - Feb. 15
If you’re looking to catch your favorite Devils in action during the Olympics, here’s what the first week looks like:
Wednesday, Feb. 11
- Slovakia vs. Finland (Group B) - 10:40 AM EST
- Sweden vs. Italy (Group B) - 3:10 PM EST
Thursday, Feb. 12
- Switzerland vs. France (Group A) - 6:10 AM EST
- Latvia vs. USA (Group C) - 3:10 PM EST
Friday, Feb. 13
- Finland vs. Sweden (Group B) - 6:10 AM EST
- Italy vs. Slovakia (Group B) - 6:10 AM EST
- Canada vs. Switzerland (Group A) - 3:10 PM EST
Saturday, Feb. 14
- Sweden vs. Slovakia (Group B) - 6:10 AM EST
- USA vs. Denmark (Group C) - 3:10 PM EST
Sunday, Feb. 15
- Switzerland vs. Czechia (Group A) - 6:10 AM EST
- USA vs. Germany (Group C) - 3:10 PM EST
From Hischier’s leadership for Switzerland to Hughes’ flair for Team USA, there’s plenty of Devils flavor in this year’s Olympic tournament. And for a team that’s looking to find its spark, maybe this international stage is just the jolt of energy the Devils need - even if it’s coming from half a world away.