The New Jersey Devils haven't always been given respect by national broadcasters. To be fair, there is about 10 teams that often get these opportunities. Whether it's the Winter Classic, marquee games on ESPN or TNT, or huge placement on the schedule for big games, the Devils seemed like an afterthought.
However, after Jack Hughes became one of the most desirable stars in the NHL, things changed. Now, nationally televised games want the Devils more often than not. Even if they aren't getting the traditional big games, they are used to showcase the game.
We learned the Devils will be getting 13 nationally televised games this season. While that means the MSG Network won't broadcast these games, it puts the Devils in a good spot. We will miss Ken Daneyko, Bill Spaulding, Bryce Salvador, and whoever replaces Erika Wachter as the intermission host, but getting Devils hockey to fans across the globe.
The Devils schedule is as below, according to the team website:
Nov. 12, 2024
NJD @ FLA
ESPN+, HULU (7:30 p.m.)
Dec. 10, 2024
TOR @ NJD
ESPN+, HULU (7 p.m.)
Jan. 14, 2025
FLA @ NJD
ESPN+, HULU (7:30 p.m.)
Jan. 29, 2025
PHI @ NJD
TNT, truTV, MAX
Mar. 4, 2025
NJD @ DAL
ESPN+, HULU (8 p.m.)
Mar. 9, 2025
NJD @ PHI
TNT, truTV, MAX (7 p.m.)
Mar. 13, 2025
EDM @ NJD
ESPN+, HULU (7:30 p.m.)
Mar.15, 2025
NJD @ PIT
ABC, ESPN+ (3:00 p.m.)
Mar. 24, 2025
VAN @ NJD
ESPN+, HULU (7:30 p.m.)
Mar. 26, 2025
NJD @ CHI
TNT, truTV, MAX (7:30 p.m.)
Apr. 5, 2025
NYR @ NJD
ABC, ESPN+ (12:30 p.m.)
Apr. 13, 2025
NYI @ NJD
TNT, truTV, MAX (1 p.m.)
Apr. 16, 2025
DET @ NJD
TNT, truTV, MAX (7:30 p.m.)
Of the Devils 13 matchups on national "television," six are streaming only options on ESPN+ and HULU. There is only two games on ABC, but the last one a good one as the Devils and Rangers face off on April 5th.
Overall, the Devils are in a much better position than in years past. The more times fans from around the country can see Devils hockey, the bigger this fanbase gets, and the more power it then has on decision making in the future.