A new NHL season is officially upon us, and fans across the board are eagerly waiting to see how their teams fare. New Jersey Devils fans are optimistic about an even better run this year. Last season saw the team finish third in the 24/25 Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division. With an impressive showing last season that saw the team pick up 42 wins, a few this time out, and the possibility of the team topping the table may not be a fanciful one at all.
It’s going to take focus, a tighter defense despite improvement last season, and for key players to step up. However, as fans and pundits watch closely, here’s how the bookmakers think the team will perform this season.
Going all the way to a Stanley Cup win is likely a pipe dream for now. However, it’s not a complete right off, and for savvy punters, the Devils currently sit at around +1800. However, as avid punters know, there are plenty of individual markets, games, and players to wager on. Early indications place the team as middle-of-the-playoffs hopefuls but not quite discount status either.
The good thing for fans and punting enthusiasts is that there’s now a wide range of online sportsbook platforms to choose from. With New Jersey being one of only seven states to currently have a fully regulated iGaming legislative regime, there are plenty of options available to locals.
However, if players prefer a more expansive range, there are also many premium choices. Some of these are so comprehensive that there are even eSports titles covered among their offerings. In recent years, the popularity of eSports betting has even begun rivaling traditional sports betting among some communities. Either way, for New Jersey bettors looking for convenient and secure ways to place their bets, most betting experts now recommend professional online sportsbooks as the go-to.
For NJ Devils fans, it may be a tricky affair picking out which fixtures or markets will be the best to try their luck on. Much will depend on the kind of start the team shows during early games. Team selection and roster news will also play a major role in shifting the odds as the season unfolds.
The Devils secured one of their most important players this offseason. Luke Hughes agreed to a long-term, seven-year deal worth $63 million. He had posted 44 points last season, and his role as a top defenseman will be even more critical this term. His deal signals confidence in the core, particularly among the young players who remain central to the vision.
Contract security like this matters in more ways than one. For team chemistry, it prevents uncertainty from seeping in. For opponents, it sends a message that the Devils intend to compete hard, not rebuild in place. Many see it as a stabilizing move that could pay dividends in tight matchups or late stretches.
Even as Hughes finds long-term security, other roster moves could shift the balance. The Devils must manage depth, injury risk, and performance consistency if they are to push deeper in the playoffs. How secondary players step up may prove just as important as star contributions.
In futures markets, the jury is out on whether the Devils are viewed as likely playoff contenders. Some odds have them at –325 to make the postseason, making that outcome more probable than missing it. There is widespread belief that they will at least qualify, and many see room for them to push beyond a first-round exit.
At the same time, the risk of early elimination hasn’t vanished. Some preseason odds list +185 for first-round exit, with higher figures for deeper elimination scenarios. Using those lines, observers can gauge public sentiment on team strength and depth. Each game, every performance, subtly shifts perceptions.
Analysts who cover the Devils say consistency will matter most. The ability to win games against mid-tier opponents, weather injury stretches, and maintain form in long stretches will separate a playoff team from a contender. The odds reflect margins where a few slips can cost momentum.
Every season has defining moments, and for New Jersey’s 2025-26 campaign, those may come early. Home success, matchups with division rivals, and how they respond to adversity will shape narratives. When oddsmakers adjust lines after surprise wins or upsets, many fans take note as a form of validation.
The Devils have an advantage in that their young core is entering its prime years. The stability of contracts, including Hughes’, adds weight to that. But if inconsistency or injury affects their depth, the line between success and disappointment will be thin.
Observers suggest three key areas to watch. First, whether goaltending holds under pressure. Second, whether secondary scoring carries when the top line faces a shutdown team. Third, how well they compartmentalize losses and bounce back—teams that linger on setbacks rarely gain momentum.
The betting lines, roster moves, and season projections together create a living story that fans follow game by game. They offer a window into how the wider sports world views the Devils. For supporters, that keeps the narrative alive and gives added texture to each shot, pass, and save.
As mentioned, the Devils finished last year with 42 wins, 33 losses, and seven overtime defeats. That record placed them third in the Metropolitan Division and gave the team 91 points overall. Many analysts saw progress, particularly in defense, where the club conceded far fewer goals than before. Their improved penalty kill and sharp power play showed that tactical adjustments had begun to work.
The playoffs told a different story. New Jersey met Carolina in the opening round but fell short in five games. Their power play, such a strength during the regular season, failed to convert at crucial moments. The penalty kill, usually dependable, struggled against Carolina’s quick puck movement. At even strength, the Devils held their own, yet special teams made the difference in the end.
Despite the disappointment, the experience built resilience. Younger players learned how playoff pace differs from the regular schedule, and the coaching staff identified gaps that must be closed if a deeper run is to happen. The season served as proof that progress is being made, though consistency remains the test. The team enters this year wiser, stronger, and more aware of what it takes to contend.
