The time is right for a young and promising New Jersey Devils team to appear in their first outdoor game since 2014.
There is a changing of the guard occurring in the Metropolitan Division. Once feared by opponents, the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins are seeing their reign at the top of the division come to an end. Young teams like the New Jersey Devils are on the rise, and the league is beginning to take notice.
"Let's talk about the Devils. We track teams that are having a certain level of success," explained Dean Matsuzaki, NHL Executive Vice President of Events. "Our goal is to celebrate the NHL, celebrate the area that we're going to (play in). Sometimes timing is such that when a team is on the rise, we want to showcase them. We've been watching how New Jersey is playing and how they have great young players. This will be quite the showcase for them. The time was right."
The Devils advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2018 and finished second in the Metropolitan Division with 112 points, a new franchise record. They are a group hungry for success and are being led by two former first-overall picks, Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes.
"Obviously, our whole team is really excited to be able to play in an outdoor game here in New Jersey," said Hischier. "It's something I have never experienced, and it will definitely be an event to remember."
Last season, the Devils surprised their opponents with their speed and skill. The club's 49-point improvement from the 2021-22 campaign is a league record, as they were consistently a top team in the league this past season.
Matsuzaki stated that the timing is right to showcase New Jersey's young talent. Hughes had an explosive season where he finished 12th in the league with 99 points. Hischier was recognized for his abilities and is a first-time finalist for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the forward voted best to excel in the defensive aspects of the game.
"We are thrilled to be playing in an NHL outdoor game and hosting our great fans at MetLife Stadium," said Devils' general manager Tom Fitzgerald. "I know how incredibly special an outdoor event can be for players and their families, our staff, partners, and especially our dedicated fans. We look forward to providing a great experience for all."