The New Jersey Devils had a challenging February, wrapping up the month with a 1-4-0 record. With seven players off at the 2026 Winter Olympics, it’s no surprise the team faced some hurdles. As the NHL trade deadline looms, all eyes are on GM Tom Fitzgerald to see if he’ll make any moves to shake things up.
A silver lining for the Devils came with the return of star defenseman Luke Hughes in their game against the St. Louis Blues. With injuries plaguing the team this season, getting back to full health is crucial.
Let’s dive into the Devils’ “Three Stars of the Month” and see who stood out in February.
Third Star: Nico Hischier
Despite the team’s ups and downs, Nico Hischier has been a beacon of consistency. Leading the Devils with 20 goals and 43 points, he’s been indispensable, handling top-line duties and excelling in all situations.
Hischier notched the Devils’ only goal in their 3-1 loss to the Islanders before heading to the Olympics to represent Switzerland. Serving as an alternate captain, he tallied a goal and three assists, shining as a top-line, two-way center. His faceoff prowess was on display with a 58% win rate, and his offensive contributions were pivotal in Switzerland’s victories.
While his point production has dipped slightly compared to last season, Hischier remains a shooting powerhouse, ranking in the 95th percentile with 159 shots. His leadership and all-around play have been a constant for the Devils.
Second Star: Timo Meier
Timo Meier didn’t score with the Devils before the break, but he was a standout for Team Switzerland at the Olympics, racking up three goals and four assists. His multi-goal game against France set the tone for a stellar tournament.
Back with the Devils, Meier continues to be a force in the top six, averaging five shots per game in February. Fans are eager for his “March Meier Madness,” especially with three games against the Rangers on the horizon.
Since the NHL resumed, Meier has already found the net twice, including a crucial opening goal in the Devils’ win over the Blues. His physicality and scoring touch are vital as the team pushes forward.
First Star: Jack Hughes
Jack Hughes has faced his share of setbacks this season, missing 21 games due to injuries. Despite a rocky start, he made a significant impact at the Olympics, contributing key assists and goals for Team USA.
Hughes rose to the occasion, scoring the golden goal in overtime against Canada to secure victory for the U.S. After a challenging season, his Olympic performance signals a promising return to form.
Back with the Devils, Hughes has already tallied three assists in three games. Staying healthy will be key as he aims to lead the team to a strong finish.
Looking Ahead to March
March is packed for the Devils, starting with games against the Panthers and Maple Leafs. Fans can look forward to a seven-game homestand before a five-game road trip. Key matchups against the Capitals and Hurricanes will test their mettle.
The pressing question is whether the Devils can turn their fortunes around, either through strategic trades or a performance boost. A mindset shift is essential if they want to climb the standings and finish the season on a high note.