Nico Hischier set up for strong season…
betting content 21+. The New York Post might obtain an affiliate commission if you signal up through our hyperlinks. Read our editorial requirements for more data.
The New Jersey Devils are in a funky spot forward of the 2026-27 NHL season.
In a vacuum, this group shouldn’t only be a playoff contender, but it ought to also harbor hopes of profitable the Metropolitan Division.
However, there are issues taking place off the ice that can severely impression 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 both, either, or neither be part of the Devils in the close to future, but for now, we’ll do our best to keep targeted and make sense of the season forward 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 via DraftKings
The Devils began sizzling last season, misplaced Jack Hughes to a freak injury, and then went off the rails.
The hunch price basic 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 trading for Luke Evangelista and Evan Rodrigues, but 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 bit of an unbalanced really feel. New Jersey has a lot of firepower up entrance, but 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 likely be on a short leash after two underwhelming campaigns.
It’s also essential to point out that New Jersey’s best participant, Jack Hughes, has missed at least 20 video games in 4 of the last 5 seasons. If he goes down, the Devils seemingly go with him.
With so many strings pulling in so many instructions, it’s no surprise that the betting market views the Devils as a powerful read. They’re not an elite group, but they’ve critical upside if issues go their approach.
And if New Jersey provides Quinn Hughes or Hellebuyck, the calculus adjustments utterly.
Best guess: Nico Hischier to win the Selke Trophy (12/1, bet365 Sportsbook)
If you’re a believer in the Devils on the entire, you might as properly go for the big price on the Stanley Cup.
If issues click on, the ceiling could be very high and Mehta will likely be aggressive in including to the roster if the state of affairs calls for it.
I’m not going to go there, though, as so 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 stands proud the most.
The Selke Trophy, which is handed out to the best two-way ahead in the NHL, is basically awarded on status.
Patrice Bergeron gained it six occasions 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), but he bought harm in training camp last yr and opened the door for Nick Suzuki of the Canadiens to grab it.
Betting on the NHL?
Beating out Barkov and Suzuki gained’t be straightforward, but 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 one of the favorites before opening evening.
Given his status and his function, Hischier represents first rate bang for your buck at this price.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports activities bettor with 10 years of expertise in the playing industry. He loves utilizing sport idea to help punters win bracket swimming pools, discover long pictures, and study how to beat the market in mainstream and area of interest sports activities.
Stay up to date with the latest trending topics! Visit our web site daily for the freshest Sports news and content, rigorously curated to keep you informed.
