The New Jersey Devils 2025-26 season ended with disappointment, but through it all, there were a few players who consistently showed up and stood out as the driving force behind the team’s performance. Whether it was elite offensive production, defensive reliability, or all-around impact, a handful of Devils separated themselves from the rest of the roster.
Headlined by stars like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, along with a breakout year from Cody Glass, the Devils had a strong core leading the charge. Meanwhile, Jonas Siegenthaler quietly anchored the defensive side of things and deserves recognition for his crucial role.
Here’s a deeper look at the three best players of the Devils 2025-26 season.
Jack Hughes: The Offensive Engine
There’s little debate about who the most dynamic player on the Devils roster is — Jack Hughes once again proved he is the heartbeat of this team’s offense. Despite missing time during the season, Hughes still managed to lead the Devils in both points (77) and assists (50). Even more impressive, he maintained a point-per-game pace, underscoring just how impactful he was whenever he was in the lineup.
Hughes’ ability to generate offense in a variety of ways makes him one of the most dangerous players in the NHL. His elite skating, vision, and creativity allow him to create opportunities not just for himself, but for everyone around him. Night after night, he dictated the pace of play and forced opposing defenses to adjust their entire game plan.
After delivering a life-changing, overtime golden goal at the Olympics this past February, Hughes has elevated his game to another level. His impact is undeniable — his speed, creativity, and playmaking ability consistently alter the pace and confidence of the team. The Devils look faster, more dynamic, and far more dangerous when he’s in the lineup, underscoring just how essential he is to their identity.
Feb 20, 2026; Milan, Italy; Jack Hughes (86) of the United States celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period against Slovakia in a men’s ice hockey semifinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
“The way that the team looks and plays is entirely different when Jack plays,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said to the media during the team’s exit interviews this past week. “It’s because he’s such a unique player and he changes the way that the game looks and feels… there’s not a lot of players that can play like that.”
What stands out most about his 2025-26 campaign is his consistency. Even in games where he didn’t find the scoresheet, he was driving possession, creating chances and keeping defenders on their heels.
If the Devils are going to truly redefine their identity next season and take a legitimate step toward Stanley Cup contention, it will once again revolve around Hughes — and based on what he showed this season, he’s more than equipped to handle that responsibility.
Nico Hischier: The Two-Way Leader
While Hughes may be the offensive catalyst, Hischier remains the backbone of the Devils’ overall structure. The captain delivered one of the most complete seasons of his career, combining offensive production with elite defensive responsibility.
Hischier led the team with 28 goals, including 11 on the power play, showcasing his ability to finish in key situations. He consistently stepped up when the Devils needed a goal, whether it was at even strength or with the man advantage. His offensive game has continued to grow, and this season proved he can be a true top-line scoring threat.
However, one of the many qualities that separates Hischier is his dominance in the faceoff circle. He recorded 1,008 faceoff wins this season — the most in Devils franchise history and a mark that ranks within the top 20 all-time across the NHL. That level of success in the dot gives the Devils a significant advantage in puck possession, particularly in crucial moments like defensive-zone draws or late-game situations.
Hischier’s defensive play remains elite as well. He’s regularly tasked with shutting down opposing top lines, and his attention to detail, positioning, and work ethic make him one of the most reliable two-way centers in the league. Whether killing penalties or protecting a lead, he’s a player the coaching staff can trust in any situation.
As captain, Hischier also sets the tone off the ice. His leadership, consistency, and professionalism have been instrumental in guiding a relatively young roster through adversity. Hischier’s importance to the team cannot be overstated; he is truly the catalyst of this group.
Cody Glass: Unsung Hero
Every successful team needs depth scoring, and this season, Glass emerged as one of the Devils’ most dependable secondary contributors. While his overall point total may not jump off the page at first glance, a deeper look reveals just how valuable he was.
Despite suffering injuries at the beginning of the season, Glass finished with 26 points, with 23 of them coming in five-on-five situations. That kind of production at even strength is incredibly valuable, especially for a team that struggled with scoring down the stretch.
What makes Glass particularly effective is his reliability. He may not be the flashiest player, but he consistently makes smart decisions with the puck, supports his linemates, and finds ways to contribute in all three zones. He became a player the Devils could count on to stabilize their middle-six and provide timely scoring when it was needed most.
In many ways, Glass embodies the type of player every contender needs — someone who can quietly produce, handle tough minutes, and elevate the players around him. His performance this season should earn him a larger role moving forward, as the Devils look to build a deeper and more balanced lineup.
Honorable Mention: Jonas Siegenthaler
While the spotlight often falls on the forwards of this Devils group, Siegenthaler deserves recognition for his impact on the defensive side of the puck. Arguably the Devils’ most essential blueliner this season, Siegenthaler was a cornerstone of the team’s defensive structure.
He recorded 135 blocked shots and 92 hits, demonstrating his willingness to do the dirty work and sacrifice his body for the team. Those numbers reflect not just effort, but consistency — he was a reliable presence in the defensive zone all season long.
Siegenthaler also played a critical role on the penalty kill, where his positioning, stick work, and ability to read plays made him a key component of the Devils’ shorthanded unit. In many ways, his contributions don’t always show up on the scoresheet, but they are essential to the team’s success.
What makes Siegenthaler particularly valuable is his stability. While other defensemen may contribute more offensively, his ability to shut down opposing players and limit high-danger chances provides a foundation the rest of the team can build on.
Final Thoughts
The Devils 2025-26 season was certainly far from ideal, but it was defined by strong individual performances from key players.
If the Devils are going to evolve into a true contender in the coming seasons, it will be because of players like these — stars who can lead the way and role players who can elevate the entire lineup. This season made one thing clear: the foundation is firmly in place, and there is still hope ahead for New Jersey.
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