In the recent article, we dove into the potential of how the scoring and goaltending could look. However, we do need to go over the defensemen that are projected to be in the opening lineup for the first-ever 84-game NHL season. To explain the new stat metric we use: it is based on player projections, and the Defensive Shield is something we use to help improve goalies by raising the potential they can deliver in front of them. In this case, we will use Nico Daws as our goalie in net with our defensemen.
Franchise shutdown defenseman Anton Silayev and elite transition player Luke Hughes represent the future of the franchise’s blueline. If these two young players can change the pace of a hockey game from a hulking shutdown sasquatch to a young transition player who should be much stronger on the puck and a better puck distributor under Coach Brad Shaw, then the Devils have a really strong top two pairs.Â
Speaking of a top pair, if you look at a rebound season by Brett Pesce, and a big season from Dougie Hamilton, it puts the Devils in a much better position to win. Add in defensive stalwart Jonas Siegenthaler and young gun Seamus Casey, and there’s a ton of talent on this team. The Devils can potentially crack the code among these highly capable veterans, rookies, and fringe-veteran defenders.Â
We forecast the Devils to allow 220-228 goals and 600-620 High-Danger Chances Against. With Jacob Markstrom now in Florida, the save percentage should sit between .907 and .911. If the Devils defense could play like they were in the eight-game win streak last season under Head Coach Sheldon Keefe, we see them going from a lottery team to a top 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. With a new GM, a soon-to-be-new goalie coach, and a power-play coach to be hired, the Devils look to use a blend of the eye test and analytics to improve their odds after a very stagnant season under Tom Fitzgerald.
Given what Sunny Mehta has done in a short time, he has wasted no time in looking to bolster this Devils franchise from top to bottom. He did mention that he wants to improve the team in Utica into a very reliable AHL team that can play with a similar structure, making it seamless for players to be inserted into the NHL lineup. There will be a lot more players added over time that will fit the new identity of this Devils franchise. One of the bigger needs will be moving a few left-handed defenders to balance out the right-handed defenders in the pipeline over time.
After seeing what Simon Nemec was looking for via AFP Analytics and him having a good but not great year, he was simply asking for too much in compensation. Sunny Mehta knew he had to make a poker player's move and move a 10 for a pair of Jacks and Kings in the trade he eventually made. Now it is a matter of time before Sunny Mehta goes out there and brings in more players that will be added to Utica for the improvement of the NJ Devils pipeline.Â
Defensive Metrics for the New Jersey Devils
Defensive Metric 2025-26 versus 2026-27 Projection Change: Goals Against: 253 to 220-33; Goals Against/Game: 3.09. 2.68-0.41. High-Danger Chances Against: 659 versus 600-59. Expected Goals Against 182.7171 with 11.7 Expected Goals Against decreased. Penalty Kill: 79.3% versus 83.2% +3.9%. Odd-Man Rushes Against100 (baseline) 90~10% reduction. Defensive Zone Exit Efficiency100 (baseline) 108, an 8% improvement.
The Devils' biggest offseason improvement may not be found on the scoresheet. It may be in the 30-plus goals they never allow. Anton Silayev adds length and shutdown potential, Brett Pesce brings stability over a full season, Luke Hughes continues to mature, and the team's overall defensive structure should reduce the quality, not just the quantity of shots against. That's the type of improvement that often separates a fringe playoff team from one capable of winning multiple postseason rounds. This will be the backbone that buys the Devils goalie platoon, and offensive plays more time to capitalize in building a cushy lead and being able to win more games rather than winning more 1 goal games and relinquishing too many leads.
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