3 Devils to Watch This Preseason

The 2026-27 NHL season is officially upon us. Teams have finished up their rookie camps, and training camp is now underway. Every team is trying to finalize its roster to make sure it has the best players come opening night.

The New Jersey Devils are no different. After just missing the playoffs last season, the Devils are hoping to get back to the postseason again. With an influx of players joining the Devils this offseason, each player on New Jersey’s roster will be making their best attempt at cracking the opening night roster, or at least making a big enough impact to be in consideration. These are just three of the Devils’ prospects to keep an eye on during the preseason.

Amadeus Lombardi

The Devils just acquired Amadeus Lombardi from the Detroit Red Wings during the 2026 offseason. Before the draft, the Devils traded their fourth-round selection, 108th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. Detroit used that pick to select Adam Levac.

Lombardi spent the last three seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Red Wings’ affiliate. Last season, he recorded 42 points in 47 games. He was a great offensive presence in the AHL, and he can hopefully work his way up to the NHL to provide the Devils with more offense.

Already in training camp, Lombardi is impressing. He has been paired with Connor Brown and Cody Glass, and he is already finding great chemistry with his line partners. The Devils recently announced that Nick Bjugstad is out for the next four to six months after needing pectoral muscle surgery. If Lombardi continues to make an impact on the team into the preseason, there’s a chance he can make the opening night roster.

Anton Silaev

One of the most exciting Devils prospects this season is Anton Silaev. The Devils drafted him 10th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, but the Russian-born player remained in his home country for the last two seasons. Last season, he played for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and recorded three points in 61 games.

Silaev doesn’t have the greatest offensive touch, but that’s not why the Devils drafted him. The 6-foot-7 defenseman is there to make sure the opposing team doesn’t touch the puck. His height does him some good to make him a strong enforcer candidate as well. As he begins to come into his own with the Devils, Silaev is definitely an exciting player to watch.

Silaev also has the opportunity to make the opening night roster, depending on his performance. Johnathan Kovacevic is missing training camp to rehab a knee injury. If he doesn’t return in time for opening night, his roster spot could go to the defenseman with the best preseason performance. All eyes will be on Silaev.

Nico Daws

The 2026-27 season might finally be Nico Daws’ time to shine in the NHL. Following the Devils’ trade of Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers, New Jersey was going to have to rock with Jake Allen as its starting goaltender. During free agency, the Devils signed David Rittich to a one-year contract. However, the signing of another goaltender shouldn’t deter Daws.