October 9 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, the New Jersey Devils will open up the 2025-2026 NHL season against their playoff eliminators, the Carolina Hurricanes. Puck drop begins at 7:30 p.m.
Closing out the 2024-2025 NHL season, the Devils lost to the Hurricanes in Game 5 in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs back in April, after putting up a tough fight while facing numerous injuries. The Devils look to redeem themselves this season and have since then become stronger, ready for the new year and to see their eliminators on the first official day back.
Before the season opener, the Devils won four out of their seven preseason games. New Jersey faced the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, and the Philadelphia Flyers, which allowed them to face off against the majority of the Metropolitan Division, along with part of the Atlantic Division. Two of their three losses occurred during a shootout, but almost all of the Devils’ preseason losses came very close, and they fell just short.
The Devils experimented with their main goalies, Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen, along with picks who have been sent to play for the Utica Comets of the AHL. While staying consistent during the Development Camp and training, the team had also made numerous roster moves towards the beginning of the season opener. The most significant roster change that fans were eager for included the re-signing of defenseman Luke Hughes. Hughes signed a seven-year contract in early October, before the preseason, at $63 million, with a nine million average annual value (AAV). Fans have officially been at ease, understanding that Luke Hughes will remain a New Jersey Devil.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes suffered from more severe preseason losses, such as losing five out of their six games played. During the preseason, the Hurricanes faced the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Nashville Predators. Two of their games were lost in overtime to the Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators. The Hurricanes never go down easy and always look to put up a good fight. The Hurricanes made multiple roster changes during the offseason to improve their roster with speed and strength. Various players were traded or left to sign with other teams as their contracts began to run out. A major roster move for the Carolina Hurricanes included the signing of former New York Ranger K’Andre Miller, a defenseman who came over in an acquired trade with the Rangers, looking to bring speed to the team. The Hurricanes have recently just claimed Brandon Bussi off waivers, who was a goaltender for the Florida Panthers. Looking to expand their franchise, the Hurricanes are in no rush to build their strongest team.
Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen is expected to start in the net against the New Jersey Devils, while Jacob Markstrom will be the starting goaltender in the 2025-2026 season opener.
Reminder: You do not want to miss the season opener, catch the game LIVE on ESPN+ and Hulu at 7:30 p.m.. Fans are eager now and it is only the beginning.
