The New Jersey Devils face a critical week as they embark on a challenging road trip through Western Canada, while trade rumors surrounding key players intensify. After losing to the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 on January 18, 2026, the Devils will look to rebound during their upcoming games.

Western Canada and Seattle Road Trip

The Devils' upcoming schedule includes four games on the road. The team will face the Calgary Flames on January 19, the Edmonton Oilers on January 20, the Vancouver Canucks on January 23 and the Seattle Kraken on January 25. This Western Canada trip is crucial, as the team needs to accumulate points before the Olympic break. Timo Meier emphasized the importance of this road trip, stating, "This road trip we have here, this stretch before the Olympic break, we have to really start collecting some of these points,".

Trade Rumors Heat Up

General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is reportedly "working the phones daily" to improve the team, with the trade deadline less than two months away. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton and winger Ondrej Palat have been mentioned in trade discussions. Despite the buzz surrounding Hamilton, trading Palat and his $6 million cap hit is Fitzgerald's top priority.

Several teams have been speculated as potential destinations for Hamilton, including the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs. However, the Maple Leafs would only consider a deal if the Devils retain a significant portion of Hamilton's annual cap hit. There is also a proposed trade that would send Steven Stamkos to the Devils in exchange for Hamilton, Cody Glass, and Seamus Casey.

The New York Rangers' Artemi Panarin has also been mentioned in trade rumors.

Other Storylines

• Jesper Bratt's Milestone: In the January 18 game against the Hurricanes, Devils forward Jesper Bratt played in his 600th career NHL game.
• Playoff Push: Despite recent struggles, the Devils remain in the thick of the playoff race in the Metropolitan Division.
• Olympic Break: The NHL regular season will pause from February 6 to February 22 for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina, Italy.
• Broadcast Information: MSG Networks is the television home of the New Jersey Devils, and fans can listen to the Devils Hockey Network on NewJerseyDevils.com and the NHL app.

As the Devils embark on their Western Canada road trip, the team faces a critical test both on and off the ice. With important games against Western Conference opponents and swirling trade rumors, this week could define the trajectory of the Devils' season.