After getting back into the playoffs this past spring, the New Jersey Devils will be looking to take another step forward in the right direction in 2025-26. For this to occur, they will need all of their key players to be at their highest levels, and this includes forward Ondrej Palat.
Palat had a bit of a down year with the Devils in 2024-25, as he had 15 goals and 28 points in 77 games. This was after he recorded 31 points in 71 games for the Devils during the 2023-24 campaign. With numbers like these, Palat has had trouble producing offense like he has in previous years.
While this is the case, the possibility of Palat having a bounce-back season with the Devils in 2025-26 should not be ruled out. He has shown several times throughout his career that he can provide solid offense when playing at his best, and it would be significant if he could get things back on track for New Jersey next season. This is especially so when noting that he should have a role in the Devils' middle six next season.
Before joining the Devils during the 2022 NHL off-season, Palat recorded at least 41 points in three consecutive seasons. If he gets around 40 points next season for the Devils, it would help improve their secondary offensive production, which is a real need. It will be fascinating to see if he can just do that from here.
Devils' Jack Hughes Should Hit New Milestone Next Season
<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> forward Jack Hughes once again had a strong season in 2024-25. In 62 games with the Metropolitan Division club, the 2019 first-overall pick recorded 27 goals, 43 assists, 70 points, and a plus-12 rating. Unfortunately, his campaign came to an early end in March, as he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.