Devils' October Storylines: Net Stability, New Forwards, Health
New Jersey finished near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division last season and missed the playoffs, prompting a busy offseason. The Devils hired Sunny Mehta as general manager, traded Jacob Markstrom, and added forwards Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues, and Luke Evangelista. October will show whether Jake Allen and Nico Daws can stabilize the crease, whether the new forwards mesh, and whether the team can avoid injuries.
New Jersey's summer reset followed a Metropolitan Division finish near the bottom and another playoff absence. Sunny Mehta became general manager, Jacob Markstrom was dealt, and Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues, and Luke Evangelista joined the forward corps. The Devils open Oct. 1 against Philadelphia.
In net, Jake Allen is slated to start after appearing in 37 games last season with a 17-17-2 record, .904 save percentage, and 2.74 GAA. Nico Daws, 25, is in line for backup duties and has 55 NHL appearances across five seasons, with a .898 save percentage and 2.96 GAA. David Rittich is also an option.
The Devils' early results may affect fan morale in New Jersey and the team's local following. Stable goaltending and healthy forwards could shape attendance, merchandise interest, and media attention, while players and coaches face pressure to perform. For the broader hockey community, the October sample may influence how observers view the club's rebuild, though it cannot determine the season.