Nico Hischier set up for strong season…
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post might obtain an affiliate fee in the event you signal up by our hyperlinks. Read our editorial requirements for more info.
The New Jersey Devils are in a cool spot ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season.
In a vacuum, this team shouldn’t only be a playoff contender, but it surely ought to also harbor hopes of successful the Metropolitan Division.
However, there are issues occurring off the ice that can severely affect how this season goes in Newark.
Quinn Hughes, the only Hughes brother who isn’t on the Devils, is eager on becoming a member of Jack and Luke in the Garden State, and there are also rumors connecting New Jersey to all-world goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
It’s anyone’s guess if each, both, or neither be part of the Devils in the close to future, however for now, we’ll do our best to remain targeted and make sense of the season ahead in New Jersey, and see what the betting market expects from Sheldon Keefe’s squad.
2026-27 New Jersey Devils season preview, odds
MarketOddsStanley Cup odds30/1Eastern Conference odds17/1Metropolitan Division odds+750Make playoffs (Yes/No)-135/+105Over/Under95.5 pointsOdds through DraftKings
The Devils began scorching last season, misplaced Jack Hughes to a freak injury, and then went off the rails.
The droop price common supervisor Tom Fitzgerald his gig, and he was changed by Sunny Mehta, a former skilled poker participant who spent the last few years as an assistant GM with the Florida Panthers.
Mehta made some high-upside additions to New Jersey’s ahead group, signing Anthony Mantha plus buying and selling for Luke Evangelista and Evan Rodrigues, however he largely left the blueline alone, and he’s, for now, rolling the cube with a goaltending tandem of Jake Allen with Nico Daws or (less seemingly) David Rittich.
All the maneuvering has given the Devils a little bit of an unbalanced really feel. New Jersey has loads of firepower up entrance, however the blueline and goaltending are large query marks.
New Jersey Devils heart Nico Hischier. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The latter is also true of the teaching employees, as Sheldon Keefe will probably be on a brief leash after two underwhelming campaigns.
It’s also essential to say that New Jersey’s best participant, Jack Hughes, has missed not less than 20 games in 4 of the last 5 seasons. If he goes down, the Devils seemingly go together with him.
With so many strings pulling in so many instructions, it’s no surprise that the betting market views the Devils as a troublesome read. They’re not an elite group, however they’ve critical upside if issues go their method.
And if New Jersey provides Quinn Hughes or Hellebuyck, the calculus adjustments fully.
Best guess: Nico Hischier to win the Selke Trophy (12/1, bet365 Sportsbook)
If you’re a believer in the Devils on the entire, chances are you’ll as properly go for the big worth on the Stanley Cup.
If issues click on, the ceiling may be very high and Mehta will probably be aggressive in including to the roster if the scenario calls for it.
I’m not going to go there, though, as a lot hinges on Hughes staying healthy and that’s not one thing price betting on proper now.
Instead, we’ll look to the awards markets for the best worth.
There are a handful of Devils close to the top of the board of the awards markets.
Jack Hughes is 25/1 to win the Hart Trophy, Keefe is 14/1 to win the Jack Adams and Nico Hischier is 12/1 to win the Selke Trophy.
Of that admittedly lukewarm bunch, Hischier sticks out the most.
The Selke Trophy, which is handed out to the best two-way ahead in the NHL, is essentially awarded on repute.
Patrice Bergeron gained it six instances in his profession, and when he retired, it was assumed that Aleksander Barkov would take over from there.
The Finn gained it twice in a row (2024 and 2025), however he obtained damage in training camp last 12 months and opened the door for Nick Suzuki of the Canadiens to seize it.
Betting on the NHL?
Beating out Barkov and Suzuki gained’t be straightforward, however Hischier figures to be in the operating if he stays healthy.
The Swiss heart has completed in the top 10 of voting in three of the last 4 campaigns (including second in 2023 and fourth in 2025), and is yearly listed as certainly one of the favorites before opening evening.
Given his repute and his function, Hischier represents first rate bang for your buck at this worth.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, however a long-profiting sports activities bettor with 10 years of experience in the playing trade. He loves utilizing game principle to assist punters win bracket swimming pools, discover lengthy photographs, and discover ways to beat the market in mainstream and area of interest sports activities.
Stay up to date with the latest action and trending tales from the world of sports activities! C-lebrity.com brings you the freshest sports activities news, highlights, and professional insights — all rigorously curated to maintain you informed and engaged. From major league updates to inspiring athlete tales, we cowl it multi function place.
Visit C-lebrity.com daily for complete coverage of the games, tournaments, and sporting moments that matter most — your final source for the whole lot sports activities and leisure.