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How The Devils Stack Up Against Their Metropolitan Division Rivals

Who will they defeat? Who will give them problems? What matchups can they exploit in all of their divisional opponents? All of this will matter as the Devils hope to have a stellar season.

Published: Thursday, 24 September 2026 at 3:18 AM
How The Devils Stack Up Against Their Metropolitan Division Rivals
Key Things to Know
  • The Metropolitan Division is expected to be closely contested, with New Jersey potentially finishing second through seventh.
  • Carolina entered the season as reigning champions, with Brandon Bussi coming off a Stanley Cup run.
  • Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski and winger Kirill Marchenko have requested trades from the Blue Jackets.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The New Jersey Devils are preparing for a competitive Metropolitan Division race that could see them finish anywhere from second to seventh. The analysis notes that the reigning champion Carolina Hurricanes present a tough matchup, requiring New Jersey to rely on a fast-paced offensive game to counter Carolina's possession-heavy style.

Against the Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey may benefit from off-ice turmoil, as Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko have requested trades while Adam Fantilli remains an unsigned restricted free agent. The Devils are expected to hold a key advantage against Columbus by overwhelming their bottom-six forward depth.

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