The New Jersey Devils kick off the 2025-26 regular season in just over a month on October 9th, 2025.
Ahead of the season, the Devils' projected lineup, as reported by the NHL Network, was released.
On the list was;
Brenden Dillon, Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, Brett Pesce, Jonas Siegenthaler, and Simon Nemec.
The Devils have a strong future on their blue line.
Luke Hughes has been a consistent positive presence for the Devils. He is expected to get a new contract this offseason, likely locking him into the lineup for a longer-term deal.
Hughes has played just three seasons with the Devils; however, he has already secured his place as a franchise player.
Hamilton was predicted to be shopped in the off-season, but the veteran remains on the roster ahead of puck drop. Earning $9 million annually, Hamilton is the highest-paid player on the Devils roster, for good reason. The 32-year-old continues to produce all over the ice and is the perfect player to lead the blue line.
Brendon Dillon is the next on the list. The 34-year-old has defied all expectations and is currently in a three-year $12 million deal with the Devils. Although not a top defensive scorer, his defensive skill and IQ are valuable to this Devils defensive line.
Brett Pesce is coming off of a solid season with the Devils. In 2024-25, he played 72 games recording 17 points. The 6-foot-3 30 year old will bring playoff experience, having helped the Carolina Hurricanes reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2018-19. He is entering year two of a six-year $33 million deal with the Devils.
Next up is Jonas Siegenthaler. The 28-year-old has been with the Devils since 2020. He played a career high of 80 NHL games in 2022-23, bringing in 21 points that season. He is currently in a five-year $17 million contract extension, where he will remain in Newark for the near future.
The final player on the Devils projected lineup is Simon Nemec. The 21-year-old was selected second overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He has played two seasons with the Devils after being the first defenseman selected that year. He also made history at the draft, being the first Slovakia-born defenseman to be selected that high in an NHL draft. Despite only playing 27 games last season, Nemec ended the season with four points. If he can play the full season with the Devils, he will likely make a differnetce on the Devils roster.
While injuries can change the lineup any day, the Devils are heading into the season with a solid roster and a legitimate chance to keep the puck away from the net – hopefully long enough to make it to June hockey.