Devils Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines — Rodrigues on Acclimating, All Eyes on Bratt, & More

On Sunday afternoon, the New Jersey Devils will kick off their 2026-27 preseason schedule, facing off against the New York Islanders at Prudential Center. This marks the first half of a back-to-back for the club, which will conclude on Monday evening against the New York Rangers.

There are big expectations for the Devils this season, after major roster upgrades, changes to their front office, and an all-or-nothing mentality that will hopefully result in another playoff appearance. 

This week, the Devils have four games slated, followed by a brief break before the home opener on Oct. 1. Here are a few storylines to follow for the week of Sept. 20 — Sept. 27, 2026.

Evan Rodrigues on Acclimating to New Jersey

On Friday, the Devils concluded their second day of practice with a round of interviews, including one with newcomer Evan Rodrigues. He spoke to the media about his expectations for this season and what it’s been like acclimating to New Jersey, along with what fans can anticipate from him in 2026-27.

This time around, training camp was about fine-tuning his skills, getting used to his new team’s speed, and solidifying his role and rhythm. “It’s just finding the chemistry, being able to make plays without thinking about it. Making sure that things become second nature to you and getting all the systems down pat,” Rodrigues stated.

He is expected to slot in on the Devils’ third line alongside Arseny Gritsyuk and Dawson Mercer. When asked about his new linemate, Rodrigues had nothing but good things to say, specifically about Gritsyuk. “It’s been a lot of fun. He’s a good player, he works hard, he goes in and does the dirty things which, as a linemate, you like, and he’s hard on the forecheck…It’s been nice playing with him so far,” said Rodrigues.

There’s a good chance he’ll become a secret weapon for the Devils as the season progresses. Comfortable playing both wing and center, Rodrigues should be a prime source of secondary scoring. After winning the Stanley Cup back-to-back with the Florida Panthers, he knows exactly how to handle this do-or-die campaign for the Devils.

All Eyes on Jesper Bratt

As preparations for the 2026-27 season continue, one player to keep an eye on is Jesper Bratt. On Wednesday, the organization announced that he had been named alternate captain and will serve in the Devils’ leadership core alongside Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.

This season marks Bratt’s tenth in New Jersey, and the franchise could never have anticipated the impact their 162nd overall pick in 2016 would have since then. Throughout his time with the Devils, he’s evolved into an elite, all-situations player. Likewise, the 28-year-old left wing has become widely considered one of the most underrated players in the league.

On the first day of training camp, he shared what it meant to have an ‘A’ on his jersey this season. “For me, starting my career here, together with Nico for our tenth year now, is going to be really special. Getting that honor is really big, and I prioritize that very, very high on my list, and I’m excited for the future ahead,” said Bratt.

Bratt has always played an instrumental role in the Devils’ offense, with 518 points in 634 games so far in his career. For five consecutive seasons, he’s scored at least 20 goals, even notching a career-high of 88 points in 2024-25. This season, there’s no telling how far he’ll go, especially now that Anthony Mantha has joined Bratt and Hughes in the top six.

Roster Adjustments Due to Injury

On-ice practice at training camp began on Thursday, Sept. 17, and the energy has been high all week long. From drills to special teams to 5-on-5 reps, the Devils have been hard at work, looking to start the season off on the right foot.

For veterans, the goal is to begin 2026-27 with a positive mindset, helping elevate the team to its fullest potential. For rookies and prospects, camp was the opportunity to prove they have what it takes, whether it be making the roster on opening night or being a call-up from the Utica Comets when things go awry.

But there were a few faces missing from practice: Johnathan Kovacevic and Nick Bjugstad. Kovacevic is expected to miss time due to rehab after undergoing a minor procedure on his right knee, while Bjugstad had surgery on a torn left pectoral muscle, sidelining him for the next four to six months.

Moving forward, the biggest question is how the Devils will fill these roster gaps. Based on lines from team reporter Amanda Stein, Kovacevic’s former partner, Brenden Dillon, worked alongside Declan Chisholm, who was acquired from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2027 Draft.

Offensively, the team’s fourth line is expected to be some variation of Amadeus Lombardi, Cody Glass, Connor Brown, and Jesper Boqvist, per PuckPedia. With ample depth players able to fill Bjugstad’s position, there will be plenty of competition leading up to the regular season.

Devils Schedule Sept. 20 — Sept. 27