The New Jersey Devils' 2025-26 season was a disappointment, but amidst the gloom, there were some bright spots. The team's struggles were evident, with playoff aspirations falling short and a lack of consistency leading to another postseason miss. The firing of Tom Fitzgerald as GM and President of Hockey Operations was a stark reminder of the challenges the team faced. However, there were some silver linings that offer hope for the future.
One of the most notable positives was Jack Hughes' performance after returning from the Olympics. Despite playing through a dinner injury, Hughes' impact was undeniable. His 41 points in the final 25 games showcased his ability to perform under pressure. His play was a stark contrast to his earlier season performance, where he was on pace for 135 points across 82 games. This highlights the importance of keeping Hughes healthy and in the lineup, a task that should be a top priority for the team.
Cody Glass also had a strong season, providing the team with the secondary offense they needed. With 19 goals in 70 contests, Glass was a consistent performer, especially considering his role on the third or fourth line. His re-signing on the second day of free agency demonstrates the team's faith in his abilities. Building on this positive, the Devils should consider keeping Glass with Arseny Gritsyuk and Lenni Hameenaho, with the hope that a more talented player or two can help maintain his offensive flow.
Jake Allen, the team's goaltender, also provided a glimmer of hope. Despite the team's overall poor goaltending, Allen's .904 save percentage was above league average. This performance gave the Devils a chance to win, even with a less-than-ideal season. The team should consider giving Allen more starts next season, especially if Jacob Markstrom continues to struggle. While Allen is not a long-term solution, his performance suggests that the team needs to prioritize playing players with better numbers over those with higher salaries.
In conclusion, the Devils' 2025-26 season had its fair share of positives. Jack Hughes, Cody Glass, and Jake Allen all contributed significantly to the team's success. As the team looks to rebuild and improve, focusing on these bright spots and building upon them will be crucial. The future of the Devils looks promising, and with the right adjustments and a renewed focus on the ice, the team can look forward to a more successful 2026-27 season.
