Projecting Devils' new-look lineup for 2026-27 season
First-year New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta has overseen an offseason transformation of head coach Sheldon Keefe's roster as the team looks to return to the playoffs in the 2026-27 season.
After four preseason games, the New Jersey Devils' starting lineups and depth chart are becoming more defined. General manager Sunny Mehta has focused on building a team that aligns with head coach Sheldon Keefe's traditional playing style. The top forward line remains unchanged, with Nico Hischier as the captain and Luke Evangelista joining Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer.
Evangelista's playmaking skills and work ethic make him a valuable addition to the team's second line alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Free agent Anthony Mantha will lead the bottom-six forward group, providing physicality and goalscoring. Veteran Evan Rodrigues, acquired after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers, will complement the remaining spots in the bottom six.
The Devils' defensive lineup is more uncertain, with left-handed defenseman Luke Hughes potentially partnering with right-handed defenseman Brett Pesce or Jonathan Kovacevic. Goalie Jake Allen will start, with David Rittich and Nico Daws as backups.
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