New Jersey Devils Announce 2026 Preseason Schedule – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

Earlier today, the New Jersey Devils announced their schedule for the 2026 NHL preseason. The Devils will have four matchups, all against two Metropolitan Division rivals: the New York Islanders and New York Rangers. The action begins on Sept. 20, with back-to-back games at Prudential Center. From there, the team will head to Madison Square Garden on Sept. 24, then wrap things up at UBS Arena on Sept. 26.

The preseason schedule is out. Please schedule the rest of your life accordingly.— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) June 24, 2026

With NHL expanding its schedule to an 84-game regular season in 2026-27, the preseason has been shortened. It’s also worth noting that rookies will report to training camp on Sept. 11, with two exhibition games against the Islanders scheduled for Sept. 13 and Sept. 15. Veterans will join training camp on Sept. 16.

Devils Have a Lot to Prove

The Devils will need to prove themselves heading into next season. Not only are they looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, but this will also give fans a sense of new general manager Sunny Mehta’s vision for the team.

A condensed preseason schedule also means that the club will have an even smaller window to get things right. Line chemistry must be honed, and new additions will need to adjust, all to ensure that things run smoothly by the time the regular season begins.

While a lower risk of injury to star players is definitely a benefit of the shorter preseason schedule, it could be more difficult for head coach Sheldon Keefe to find winning line combinations.

Different Format, Same Rivals

Compared to last year, things are going to look a little different. Headed into 2025-26, the Devils played seven preseason games — three at home and four on the road. The end result was a 3-2-2 record. The schedule also featured a split-squad game, where half the team traveled to play the Ottawa Senators, while the remaining players faced the Washington Capitals at home.

What stands out the most about this preseason is how heavily it leans into the Devils’ New York rivalries. This season featured two preseason contests against the Rangers, but fans had to wait until March to see the Devils face off against their Hudson River rivals again. They’ll also be on the hunt for redemption against the Islanders, after losing all four matchups during the regular season.

Countdown to Devils Hockey

The countdown is officially on for the return of Devils hockey. Next season is already shaping up to be an important one, with players and front office looking for big changes. But with only four games to prepare for the regular season, the team will need to make a statement early on.

A comeback for New Jersey starts with a strong preseason and will hopefully mark the first step in a path toward the playoffs. In the meantime, all that’s left to do is wait and see what happens between now and September.