The New Jersey Devils are set to open their 2025-26 regular-season schedule, and it’s packed with heavyweight battles, early divisional tests, and big-time dates at the Prudential Center. For a team led by Jack Hughes and hungry to climb back into Stanley Cup contention, the grind ahead looks both brutal and full of opportunity.
Season starts with a rivalry spark
The Devils open the season on Oct. 9 on the road against Carolina, a test right out of the gate against one of the league’s fiercest defensive units. A few nights later, New Jersey returns to Newark for its home opener against the New York Islanders on Oct. 14. The early slate keeps the Devils in the Metropolitan Division dogfight, with Hughes and company facing the Rangers, Flyers, and Blue Jackets all within the first month.
Divisional showdowns define the year
The Metro remains the toughest division in hockey, and the Devils’ schedule ensures there won’t be much breathing room. New Jersey faces the Rangers four times, including a holiday clash on Dec. 23 at Madison Square Garden and a late-season tilt in April that could carry major playoff stakes.
Circle these matchups:
Oct. 9 at Carolina – Opening night statement game.
Dec. 23 at NY Rangers – Final test before the holiday break.
Jan. 17 vs. Carolina – A rematch on home ice with playoff implications.
March 28 at Carolina – A road battle late in the season.
April 4 at Islanders – Could decide seeding down the stretch.
Homestands and road tests
The Devils enjoy several stretches at the Prudential Center where Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt will look to feed off the home crowd. A key stretch comes in late November into early December, with seven of nine games at home.
But the road will test them, too. New Jersey embarks on a grueling Western Conference swing in January that includes stops in Colorado, Vegas, and Seattle. They’ll also finish the season with four of their last six games on the road, meaning the playoff push will require road toughness.
MORE: Sebastian Aho leads Hurricanes into grueling 2025-26 schedule packed with road tests
Holiday highlights
Fans will have plenty of prime dates to look forward to:
Black Friday, Nov. 28 – Devils face Winnipeg at home in an afternoon showcase.
New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 – Road trip to take on the Islanders before the calendar flips.
Feb. 14 vs. Philadelphia – Valentine’s Day rivalry matchup.
Back-to-backs and Olympic break
The Devils face 14 sets of back-to-backs, demanding depth across the lineup. With Vitek Vanecek and young netminders expected to split time, managing those stretches will be critical.
Like the rest of the league, the Devils will pause from Feb. 6–22 for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hughes is expected to suit up for Team USA, with several teammates also likely headed overseas.
The bottom line
New Jersey’s 2025-26 schedule is unforgiving, with early road trips, stacked Metro battles, and a late-season grind. But with Jack Hughes entering his prime and a roster built for speed and firepower, the Devils have the tools to turn this brutal schedule into a launching pad for a deep playoff run.
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