The New Jersey Devils are gearing up for the 2026-27 season, and fantasy hockey enthusiasts are already buzzing with excitement. Among the team's standout players, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt are poised to make waves in the top 50 forwards category, while Dougie Hamilton could climb the ranks as one of the top 25 defensemen. But what makes these projections particularly intriguing is the potential for a breakout season from Timo Meier and the undervalued contributions of Nico Hischier. Let's dive into the details and explore the factors that could shape the Devils' fantasy landscape this season.
The Rising Stars: Hughes and Bratt
Jack Hughes, the 25-year-old forward, has been a consistent point-producer since joining the NHL. His 77 points in the 2025-26 season were his highest since 2022-23, and his 1.22 points per game since 2022-23 place him among the league's elite. Hughes' fantasy ceiling was on full display after the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he ranked second in the NHL with 41 points in 25 games. While his injury-plagued 2025-26 season limited him to 61 games, Hughes' potential to finish as a fringe top 15 player in NHL.com's top 250 fantasy rankings makes him a high-reward target for fantasy managers. Personally, I think Hughes' ability to stay healthy and maintain his production could make him a top-10 fantasy forward this season.
Jesper Bratt, meanwhile, has been a consistent goal-scorer and point-producer for the Devils. With 71 points in 82 games last season, Bratt has had at least 20 goals and 70 points in five straight seasons. His consistency, category coverage, and exposure to Hughes make him a fringe top 50 forward in NHL.com's fantasy rankings. Bratt's strong special teams numbers, including six short-handed points in the past two seasons and 103 power-play points over the past four seasons, further enhance his value. In my opinion, Bratt's ability to maintain his production and contribute across multiple categories makes him a solid pick for fantasy managers looking for a reliable forward.
The Breakout Candidate: Timo Meier
Timo Meier, an eight-time 20-goal scorer, is poised for a breakout season with the Devils. While his 44 points in 77 games last season were his fewest since 2020-21, Meier's 273.6 shots on goal and 139.8 hits per season over his past five seasons place him among the league's most prolific scorers. Meier's ice time per game last season, his most in three full seasons with the Devils, suggests that he could be in line for a productive season. However, his 8.9 shooting percentage was his lowest mark since 2020-21, which could be a concern for fantasy managers. Nevertheless, Meier's potential to bounce back and contribute offensively makes him a compelling pick for fantasy managers looking for a high-upside forward.
The Undervalued Contributed: Nico Hischier
Nico Hischier, the 27-year-old forward, has been a consistent point-producer and category contributor for the Devils. With 66 points in 82 games last season, Hischier has had at least 60 points and 20 goals in five consecutive seasons. His 52 power-play points and 25 power-play goals over his past two seasons combined place him among the league's elite in these categories. Hischier's ability to contribute across multiple categories, including blocked shots and face-off wins, makes him an undervalued draft target in the middle rounds. From my perspective, Hischier's consistency and category coverage make him a solid pick for fantasy managers looking for a reliable forward who can contribute in multiple areas.
The Veteran Defender: Dougie Hamilton
Dougie Hamilton, the 33-year-old defenseman, has been a consistent goal-scorer and point-producer for the Devils. With 12 goals last season, Hamilton has double-digit goals in nine of his past 14 seasons. His 151 goals since 2014-15 rank fourth among defensemen, and his 2,401 shots on goal over that span rank third at his position. Hamilton's ability to contribute offensively, combined with his strong defensive play, makes him a fringe top 25 defenseman in NHL.com's fantasy rankings. What many people don't realize is that Hamilton's upside to finish inside the top 20 at his position could make him a valuable asset for fantasy managers looking for a reliable defenseman.
The Broader Implications
The 2026-27 season promises to be an exciting one for the New Jersey Devils and their fantasy hockey enthusiasts. With a mix of rising stars, breakout candidates, and undervalued contributors, the Devils' fantasy landscape is shaping up to be diverse and dynamic. As the season unfolds, fantasy managers will need to carefully consider the factors that could impact their players' production, such as ice time, shooting percentage, and special teams performance. By staying informed and adapting to the evolving landscape, fantasy managers can position themselves for success and potentially reap the rewards of a productive Devils season.
In conclusion, the New Jersey Devils' fantasy projections for the 2026-27 season offer a mix of exciting possibilities and intriguing questions. From the rising stars of Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt to the breakout candidate of Timo Meier and the undervalued contributor of Nico Hischier, the Devils' fantasy landscape is shaping up to be diverse and dynamic. As the season unfolds, fantasy managers will need to carefully consider the factors that could impact their players' production and adapt to the evolving landscape. By staying informed and embracing the excitement of the upcoming season, fantasy managers can position themselves for success and potentially reap the rewards of a productive Devils season.
