Infernal Access

With the season less than a week away, the news surrounding the New Jersey Devils is a bit limited — the games are not tremendously important and the biggest league-wide happenings are on the waiver wire. That said, Devils’ General Manager Sunny Mehta had an interview with NHL.com in which he discussed a myriad of topics more in-depth than he had previously. With that, let’s take a few minutes to delve into some of the bigger talking points of the interview.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess It’s time for the final Friday Five before the New Jersey Devils open main camp. This week we’re talking team strengths, coach utilization, Luke Evangelista’s goal scoring, and much more. Let’s get to it. Q: Given the new team make up what would you say their strength is? Forward depth. It’s hard not to look at the projected 12 and get excited about the advantage that will give the Devils over almost every other team in the league.

Goalie box score statistics have become a bit outdated and misunderstood as time has gone on. After all, as NHL teams become more selective about when they put the puck on net and continue to prioritize high-danger opportunities over shot volume, it’s only natural that SV% declines and goalies look worse on paper. As such, Goals Saved Above Expected, or GSAx, seems to be the most reliable way to track goalie performances in the modern hockey world.

The New Jersey Devils have restocked their cupboard a fair amount this off-season, enjoying a well-regarded draft, accumulating future assets, and trading for the likes of Amadeus Lombardi. With that, let’s talk about the cream of the crop – the top three prospects in the system – entering the 2026-27 season. The Devils drafted Vanhanen in the second round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft after moving back two spots from their original placement at 35.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess Sunny Mehta has been on the job for less than three months and already proven to be a breath of fresh air for the New Jersey Devils. It’s not necessarily the moves he’s made – although I am certainly a fan of the work thus far – but how he has gone about making them. There’s a refreshing level of creativity shown in almost every single transaction, be it the move itself or the lever pulled to do so. Allow me to highlight just a few examples.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess The New Jersey Devils are reportedly testing the market for veteran goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Finding a trade could be a tricky proposition. He is coming off a down season, he is set to earn $6 million for another two seasons, and he has a 20-team no-trade list. That combination could limit an already narrow list of matches. Whether GM Sunny Mehta can find a deal is anyone’s guess, but here are three destinations that could make sense.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess A few notes on the talk surrounding a pair of star centers: The New Jersey Devils were not one of three teams Larkin put on his trade list but that doesn’t mean they can’t get involved. It’s expected Larkin will be asked to expand his list to give Steve Yzerman more flexibility to facilitate a trade, which could open the door for New Jersey.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess Nico Hischier’s contract status is the biggest talking point surrounding the New Jersey Devils right now. Deservedly so. The captain is only a year away from unrestricted free agency and the team’s ability to contend – both now and in the future – heavily depends on getting him re-signed. Hischier is a top-line caliber center who has averaged 32+ goals and 72+ points per 82 games over the last three seasons.

Zeroing in on a couple of names in play – and one likely taken off the table. Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess Get 35% off for 1 year The calendar has flipped and we’ve officially entered the busiest month of the year for trades in the NHL. With that in mind, let’s talk about a couple players who are firmly in play – and one likely taken off the table.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess Get 35% off for 1 year The New Jersey Devils are scheduled to select 12th at this year’s draft. While it’s certainly possible they trade it for immediate help – the Florida Panthers often did so, even before truly contending – the pick is theirs until it isn’t. I’ve been combing through tape and tracking data on potential targets and center Viggo Bjorck has emerged as my early favorite.