Devils Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines — Top-Six Adjustments, Luke Hughes’s Early Success & More

The New Jersey Devils entered the week of October 18, 2026, holding a 4-4-0 record through eight games, according to The Hockey Writers. With Luke Evangelista sidelined by illness, head coach Sheldon Keefe reunited the Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer forward line, while also deploying Arseny Gritsyuk alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. The article notes that the Devils are preparing to open a three-game homestand on Tuesday night against the Colorado Avalanche.

Defenseman Luke Hughes has delivered an impressive start after signing a seven-year, $63 million contract extension, leading the club with 24:01 of ice time per game and recording three goals. However, the writer emphasizes that New Jersey must resolve its goaltending inconsistencies. Jake Allen holds a 3.18 goals-against average with an .876 save percentage, while Nico Daws has recorded a 3.38 goals-against average and an .857 save percentage.