The New Jersey Devils find themselves at a turning point as the season moves forward. Recent losses, such as a 3-0 shutout to Columbus and a 4-1 loss to Ottawa, have shifted attention beyond nightly results and toward what lies ahead. Conversations within the team about lineup decisions have slowly shifted toward long-term roster planning.
That wider outlook has now fueled new discussion about the draft and a rising young prospect linked to New Jersey’s future path.
Can Jack Hughes’ Absence and Declining Offense Push the Devils to Consider Drafting Gavin McKenna?
The Devils were limited to zero goals against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Prudential Center on Tuesday. Elvis Merzlikins stopped 24 shots for Columbus to record his first shutout of the season. Mathieu Olivier scored twice, and Dante Fabbro added a third-period goal. Jacob Markstrom made 23 saves for New Jersey, but the team could not turn early puck possession into goals.
The loss marked New Jersey’s fourth defeat in its last five games and showed ongoing offensive issues.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski shared several trends that show why the Devils have struggled this season. The team has allowed the first goal 32 times in 56 games and has a -18 goal differential in the third period.
Devils’ forward Jack Hughes is injured again, but since his last return from a thumb injury on Dec. 21, the Devils have scored only 2.10 goals per game. They have ranked near the bottom of the league in points percentage (.405). Those numbers have fueled discussion about where the team might finish in the standings.
Hughes remains a key part of the Devils’ offense, but he missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury suffered on Jan. 29 against Nashville. He skated alone on Tuesday and hopes to return soon if he receives medical clearance.
Hughes has 12 goals and 24 assists in 36 games this season and continues to be the main playmaker when healthy. His absence has made it harder for the team to generate scoring chances and maintain offensive pressure.
As the Devils continue to struggle, attention has turned toward the future and the upcoming draft. Gavin McKenna, a forward at Penn State, is projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He has great offensive upside, and the Devils could have a chance to land him if they tank this season.
The 18-year-old has 32 points in 24 games, including 21 assists. His strong performance has made him one of the most talked-about prospects in college hockey.
New Jersey holds a 28-26-2 record and sits seventh in the Metropolitan Division. Compared to last season’s stronger finish, the Devils have struggled with results.
They will try to regroup when they host the New York Islanders on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. ET.
