Here's a way-too-early look at potential New Jersey Devils' opening night line combinations for the 2025-2026 NHL season, considering current contracts, potential free agency moves, and player development.

Forwards

• Line 1: Ondrej Palat — Jack Hughes — Jesper Bratt

  If the Devils retain Palat, he could play alongside Hughes and Bratt. Palat showed his worth last season and stepped up in the playoffs. However, to inject more speed, Dadonov could replace Palat, or Brown could move up with Bratt switching to left wing. * Line 2: Timo Meier — Nico Hischier — Stefan Noesen

  Last season, the Meier, Hischier, and Noesen line proved effective, tying for sixth in expected goals percentage (xG%) among lines that played 300+ minutes. They out-chanced their opponents significantly. * Line 3: Evgenii Dadonov — Dawson Mercer — Arseni Gritsyuk

  Mercer is signed through at least the 2025-26 season and can make up the third line. Gritsyuk could be a key player, and his performance could significantly impact the team's contention hopes. * Line 4: Paul Cotter — Cody Glass — Connor Brown

  This line assumes Glass and Hughes, both restricted free agents, will have their contracts sorted out. Glass seemed to find his stride once he joined the Devils.

Defense

• Pair 1: Brenden Dillon — Dougie Hamilton

  Hamilton is signed through 2027-28, and Dillon is signed through 2026-27, setting the Devils' second defense pairing. * Pair 2: Brett Pesce — Luke Hughes

  Pesce is signed until 2028-29, and Hughes is expected to re-sign, solidifying the top pairing. * Pair 3: Jonas Siegenthaler — Simon Nemec

Goaltending

• Starter: Jacob Markstrom
• Backup: Jake Allen

Additional Considerations

• Cap Space: The Devils' cap situation is tight, so General Manager Tom Fitzgerald will need to find value deals and prioritize depth scoring.
• Injuries: Johnathan Kovacevic is listed as injured.
• Bubble Players: Seamus Casey, Juho Lammikko, Kurtis MacDermid, Calen Addison, Angus Crookshank, and Brian Halonen are potential bubble players or scratches.
• Roster: The Devils have 22 of 23 roster spots filled, with a projected cap hit of $95,205,833 and approximately $294,167 in cap space.
• Free Agency: Several Devils players will be UFAs or RFAs, requiring decisions on re-signing or finding replacements.
• Offer Sheets: The Devils might explore offer sheets for restricted free agents to bolster their forward group.
• Team Needs: To contend, the Devils need health, improved forward depth, and a right-handed sniper for the top-six.
• Trades: To improve the forward group, the Devils may need to make trades to clear cap space and acquire talent.