Preseason Kickoff
The New Jersey Devils are set to kick off their preseason today at 1 p.m. against their rivals, the New York Rangers. Team reporter Amanda Stein has shared a projected lineup for the game, which closely aligns with the composition anticipated by head coach Sheldon Keefe. Although it is not yet finalized, the predicted lineup is as follows:
Projected Lineup
Forwards:
Cotter – Glass – Gritsyuk
Crookshank – Lammikko – Legare
Gruden – Glendening – Halonen
Hardman – Rooney – Bordeleau
Defensemen:
Chowolski – Casey
Edwards – Strand
White – Addison
van de Leest – Osipov
Goaltenders:
Daws
Romanov
Malek
If these lines remain intact, expect Casey, Gritsyuk, Glass, Cotter, and Bordeleau to make up the Devils’ primary power-play unit. According to Keefe, this lineup is quite accurate for the matchup against the Rangers, with only minor adjustments likely before the game starts.
Key Players to Monitor
- Arseny Gritsyuk: The Russian forward, selected 129th overall in the 2019 Draft, will be making his debut for the Devils today. After several seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League, his inclusion in the New Jersey roster comes after a noteworthy performance in training camp. Many will be watching closely to see how he integrates into the team as the season progresses.
- Nico Daws: Over the past few seasons, Daws has provided essential support as a depth goaltender whenever the Devils’ first-string netminders were unavailable. With top goaltending duties likely remaining out of reach this season, his performance in the preseason will illustrate any improvements he made during the offseason.
- Juho Lammikko: Having last played in the NHL during the 2021–22 season with Vancouver, Lammikko is vying for a spot in the Devils’ lower lines thanks to his solid two-way play.
- Angus Crookshank: After leaving the Ottawa Senators to sign a two-year contract with the Devils on July 2, Crookshank finds himself in a position to cement his place in the NHL. Today’s matchup serves as a critical opportunity for him to demonstrate his skills.
Sheldon Keefe’s Expectations
The head coach has stated that he is eager to see his players bring their best efforts to the ice in this opening game of the preseason. He emphasized the importance of intensity, speed, and quick pace, acknowledging that while today’s game may not match NHL-level speed, it provides a valuable chance for players to make an impression. Keefe mentioned,
“From our very first meeting, we have stressed that ability to skate, apply pressure, and excel at moments when you don’t have the puck—elements that comprise a significant portion of the game.”
As game time approaches, fans can look forward to confirming the official lineup just before the puck drops at 1 p.m.
