The New Jersey Devils season is officially underway as training camp Day 1 has commenced. As with every training camp, the one thing we’re most interested in is first-day lines. And the Devils did not disappoint.
They made a few decisions that made sense, like pairing Anthony Mantha with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Despite the acquisition of Luke Evangelista, Mantha still fits better with the “top” line.
However, the biggest shock was what we saw on the second line of the first group. The third line for the Devils might be the most interesting because of who might end up on it. Dawson Mercer, Connor Brown, Arseny Gritsyuk, Jesper Boqvist, Evan Rodrigues, Stefan Noesen, and Mantha himself are fighting for their positioning in the top nine.
Yet, when the first lines came out, someone unexpected was in that spot next to Cody Glass.
A first look at #NJDevils lines from Group 1:
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) September 17, 2026
Of note: Mantha with Jack and Bratt and Siegenthaler and Dougie remaining together for a first run of show. pic.twitter.com/stRNN7pWY9
Amadeus Lombardi is getting a significant opportunity to start the Devils training camp
Yes, that’s Amadeus Lombardi who is expected to be the third-line when games begin. Lombardi was a player whom the Detroit Red Wings and all their nonsense felt was worth just a fourth-round pick this offseason. They didn’t see Lombardi as part of the future. Sunny Mehta felt different.
The Devils' new GM saw Lombardi as a distressed asset that needed a better fit. He’s talked about his belief that Lombardi will take the next step, and these lines prove that belief. There are so many players who could get a shot at that third line, but Lombardi is getting the first crack. It’s a “swim in the deep end” moment for the young player.
And this proves that Sheldon Keefe and Mehta are on the same page.
The head coach was retained this year, while he had a big overhaul of his staff. However, keeping Keefe might be the biggest risk Mehta took this offseason, even bigger than going with Nico Daws, Jake Allen, and David Rittich in net. So, seeing that Keefe is going with Lombardi off the jump proves they are listening to each other.
We must warn Devils fans that this is just the first practice. Lines are going to change from here to October 1st, but the team is dealing with a shortened preseason and training camp, which means the lines are more aligned than in previous years.
Still, expect multiple players to have a chance on the third line, but it is significant that a player who spent all last season in the AHL is given this type of opportunity right off the bat.
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