Devils Preseason Review: Poirier's Role and Line Chemistry
New Jersey finished exhibition play 3-0-1 and will open at home against Philadelphia on Oct. 1. The article examines preseason takeaways under Sunny Mehta, including strong depth scoring from newcomers Amadeus Lombardi and Luke Evangelista. It also looks at Remi Poirier's possible impact and the developing chemistry of the Bratt-Hughes-Mantha line.
New Jersey closed preseason at 3-0-1 against the Islanders and Rangers. Under Sunny Mehta, the club added depth and changed its top six and goaltending mix. Amadeus Lombardi and Luke Evangelista provided secondary scoring, while team metrics placed near the league’s top five in several exhibition categories. The Bratt-Hughes-Mantha line is also building chemistry.
Remi Poirier was claimed from Dallas after six Devils cleared waivers and joined Utica. The 24-year-old has no NHL games but posted a 27-19-6 AHL record, .912 save percentage and 2.61 GAA last season. His arrival alters a planned Allen-Daws-Rittich rotation, with Daws still expected to get a look.
The Devils’ goaltending decision could affect fan expectations and roster competition, especially for Nico Daws and Remi Poirier. A successful Poirier promotion may signal more opportunities for AHL netminders, while instability could shape New Jersey’s season and local interest. For Dallas, losing a depth goalie may test organizational goaltending depth. These effects remain speculative until regular-season games unfold.