The New Jersey Devils return home to the Prudential Center on October 22, 2025, with momentum and confidence as they prepare to face the Minnesota Wild in a matchup that favors their strengths across the board. After finishing the 2024–25 season with a 42–33–7 record and reasserting themselves as a rising force in the Eastern Conference, the Devils have carried that same fast-paced, offensive-minded identity into the new campaign. Their foundation is built on elite skill, team speed, and depth throughout the lineup, making them one of the most dynamic teams in the league when in rhythm. Jack Hughes remains the engine of their offense — a player capable of creating scoring chances seemingly out of nothing — while Jesper Bratt and captain Nico Hischier bring balance and playmaking from the top six. Timo Meier has also begun to settle into his power-forward role, using his combination of size and shot power to create space and open lanes for linemates. At home, the Devils are known for dictating tempo early, applying relentless pressure in the offensive zone, and maintaining sustained possession that wears down visiting teams. They ranked among the league’s best in expected goals and power-play conversion last season, and their special teams continue to be a strength under head coach Sheldon Keefe’s system. Against a Minnesota team that struggles to finish and has been inconsistent on the power play, New Jersey will aim to push the pace and exploit any lapses in transition defense. Defensively, the Devils have evolved into a far more composed and mature unit.

The continued development of young defensemen Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec has given New Jersey one of the most mobile blue lines in the NHL, capable of jumping into the rush while maintaining strong defensive structure. Veteran Dougie Hamilton provides stability and leadership on the back end, while goaltending — a long-standing question mark in recent years — has started to find some reliability. Akira Schmid and Jake Allen have provided solid play between the pipes, and while the Devils may not yet have a true elite netminder, their defensive system minimizes the number of high-danger chances they allow. At home, where their speed and familiarity with the ice surface allow them to dictate matchups, New Jersey’s structure becomes even more effective. They move the puck quickly out of their zone, transition with purpose, and have been lethal on zone entries, often turning defense into offense within seconds. Their biggest challenge against the Wild will be staying disciplined and patient against a team that thrives on grinding games into physical, low-event contests. If the Devils can avoid unnecessary penalties and keep the puck moving, they should be able to maintain control for most of the night. From a betting and analytical perspective, New Jersey’s numbers tell an interesting story. Despite their strong win totals, the Devils have often struggled against the spread, finishing just 32–50 ATS last season, largely because they were favored in many games and frequently won by narrow margins. Still, their home-ice advantage remains significant — both statistically and psychologically. The Prudential Center crowd has embraced this team’s evolution from rebuilding project to legitimate contender, and that energy often fuels dominant starts. Against a Minnesota team that’s still trying to find its footing on the road, the Devils’ depth, special-teams advantage, and ability to control tempo give them a clear edge. Expect New Jersey to test Minnesota’s defense early with high-zone pressure and layered shooting traffic in front of Filip Gustavsson. If the Devils’ power play finds its rhythm and their transition game clicks, this could be a long night for the Wild. New Jersey’s speed, confidence, and skill are tailor-made to exploit teams that can’t match their pace — and with a balanced roster that combines star talent and developing youth, the Devils look primed to extend their strong start and reinforce their reputation as one of the NHL’s most dangerous home teams.