New Jersey Devils Award Candidates for 2026-27

He’s also teamed up with the National Hockey League Players’ Association Goals & Dreams charity, as well as his hometown program, Hockey New Brunswick. Earlier this year, Allen collaborated with both organizations, along with the Smilezone Foundation, at The Moncton Hospital. Together, they donated 25 sets of equipment to Fredericton’s Brendon Oreto Foundation.

Within the last decade, Allen has raised over one million dollars for charity through various community efforts, and he remains a key leader for the Devils. For 2026-27, he’s expected to be the main veteran presence in their three-goalie rotation, after providing stability in the crease last season. All things considered, there’s a good chance he’ll receive his second King Clancy nomination this season.

Nico Hischier (Frank J. Selke Trophy)

After Nico Hischier was named a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2022-23, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before he won the award. Given to the NHL forward who excels in the defensive aspects of the game, no one on the Devils’ roster deserves to win the Selke more than their captain. 

Once six-time recipient Patrice Bergeron retired, followed by Aleksander Barkov’s absence last season, many fans believed Hischier’s time to take home the award had finally come. But despite receiving votes every year, he’s been unable to crack the finalist category for the second time in his career. For 2025-26, he received just two first-place votes, finishing ninth overall with 149 points.

Fans breathed a collective sigh of relief when he signed a five-year contract extension earlier this summer. The deal puts him with the Devils organization through the 2031-32 season, and his leadership is a critical component of the team’s success. In terms of playing tough minutes and leaving it all on the ice, no one does more for New Jersey than #13. 

Hischier remains one of the most underrated two-way centers in the league, and his skills speak for themselves. He continues to pave the way for the Devils, with his dominance in the faceoff circle, steady offense, special teams expertise, and ability to shut down opponents’ top lines. Given his strong all-situations track record and defensive reliability, he should be an early favorite in the upcoming race for the Selke Trophy.

Jesper Bratt (Lady Byng Memorial Trophy)

Our fourth and final member of the Devils franchise who could receive an accolade next June is Jesper Bratt. After finishing 14th in voting for 2025-26, there’s a strong chance that he’ll be in the running again for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. The award honors “the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability,” and Bratt certainly fits the bill.

Bratt received just one first-place vote this year, but should be a finalist for the award in the near future. He’s surpassed the 70-point threshold for the past five seasons, missing only one game since 2022-23. Throughout his career, he’s averaged just over 11 penalty minutes per season, despite playing heavy top-six minutes.

The 28-year-old Swede’s combination of elite skill and sportsmanship makes him an ideal candidate for the Lady Byng Trophy. And this season, the Devils will need Bratt to lead their bounce-back campaign, on a line with newcomer Anthony Mantha and his “PB&J” counterpart, Jack Hughes.

Overall, the upcoming season is set to be a thrilling one for the Devils, and fans should expect great things from the club moving forward.