nhl standings

NHL Standings 2025-26: New Jersey Devils Surge Ahead – But Is It Too Early to Celebrate?

The 2025-26 NHL season is off to a thrilling start, and one team is turning heads across the league: the New Jersey Devils. With a red-hot opening to the campaign, they’ve stormed to the top of the NHL standings, sparking excitement among fans and cautious optimism from coaches alike. But in a league where momentum can shift overnight, the big question isn’t just where they are—but how long they can stay there.

For Canadian hockey fans, especially those tuning in from coast to coast, this early-season shake-up offers more than just a rankings update. It’s a story of depth, resilience, and the fine line between early success and sustainable dominance.

Let’s dive into what’s happening at the top of the NHL standings, what it means for the Devils—and why the rest of the league should be paying attention.

The Devils Are On Fire: A 6-1-0 Start Shakes Up the NHL Standings

As of mid-October 2025, the New Jersey Devils sit at 6-1-0, tied for first place in the NHL standings with the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, and Montreal Canadiens—each boasting 12 points after seven games. This scorching start marks one of the best opening stretches in franchise history and has catapulted them into the conversation as a legitimate contender.

But it’s not just the wins that are impressive—it’s how they’re winning.

According to Daily Faceoff, the Devils’ early success is being driven by their depth across all lines, particularly the emergence of secondary scorers and contributions from defensemen like Dougie Hamilton, who’s already notched multiple multi-point games. The team isn’t relying solely on star center Jack Hughes, though he’s leading the charge with 10 points in seven games. Instead, it’s a collective effort: six different players have recorded at least five points, and the power play is humming at over 30%.

“We’re not just a one-line team anymore,” said one analyst on All About The Jersey, a leading Devils-focused blog. “The bottom six are contributing, the defense is joining the rush, and the goaltending has been rock-solid. That’s a recipe for staying at the top.”

This kind of balanced attack is exactly what head coach Sheldon Keefe envisioned when he took over in the offseason. Known for his structured systems and emphasis on puck possession, Keefe has quickly put his stamp on the team. But even he’s urging caution.

“It’s way too early,” Keefe told The Hockey News after a recent win. “We’re happy with the results, but we haven’t proven anything yet. The standings in October don’t win Cups in June.”

And that’s the crux of the story: a strong start doesn’t guarantee a playoff berth, let alone a Stanley Cup run.

Recent Updates: What the Experts Are Saying (And Why You Should Listen)

While the Devils are grabbing headlines, the broader NHL landscape is shifting fast. Here’s a breakdown of the latest verified developments shaping the 2025-26 standings:

October 24, 2025: Devils in the Details – Goal No. 1 Edition

All About The Jersey highlighted the team’s ability to score first in six of their seven games—a key indicator of confidence and early-game control. Scoring first correlates strongly with winning, and the Devils are leveraging that edge.

October 23, 2025: Keefe’s Reality Check

In a post-game presser, Keefe emphasized that early success can breed complacency. He pointed to last season’s Florida Panthers, who started strong but faltered in the second half, as a cautionary tale. “We’re building habits, not just stacking wins,” he said.

October 22, 2025: Depth Is the Difference

Daily Faceoff analyzed the Devils’ roster and concluded that their third and fourth lines are among the most productive in the league. Unlike previous seasons, where the team struggled when Hughes or Jesper Bratt were off the ice, now even the checking line is generating scoring chances.

“The Devils aren’t just deep—they’re deep with purpose,” wrote Daily Faceoff’s analyst. “Every line has a role, and every role is being executed.”

Meanwhile, other teams are showing their own surprises: - The Pittsburgh Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby’s resurgence, are also off to a strong start, defying age-related skepticism. - The Tampa Bay Lightning, once a perennial powerhouse, are off to a sluggish 2-4-1 start, raising questions about their playoff viability. - The Toronto Maple Leafs, despite losing to the Sabres, remain in the mix in the Atlantic Division, staying ahead of the Montreal Canadiens in the standings—though the Habs’ strong start has added intrigue.

These early swings underscore a key truth: the NHL standings in October are fluid, but they reveal early trends that often predict midseason momentum.

Why This Start Matters: Context You Need to Know

To understand the significance of the Devils’ surge, we need to look back.

A Franchise in Rebuilding Mode—Now Ready to Rise?

The Devils have been on a rollercoaster over the past decade: - 2012–2018: A period of decline, with only one playoff appearance (2018). - 2019–2023: A rebuild centered around drafting high-ceiling talent (Hughes, Bratt, Holtz, Nemec) and trading for proven NHLers (Hamilton, Hischier). - 2023–2024: A breakthrough season with a playoff berth, but a first-round exit.

Now, in 2025-26, the team appears to have crossed the threshold from “promising young squad” to “serious contender.” The addition of veteran leadership, improved goaltending (Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid both posting save percentages over .920), and Keefe’s system have created a more complete team.

But history shows that fast starts don’t always lead to deep runs. In the 2023-24 season, the Devils opened 5-0-1 but stumbled in November due to injuries and inconsistent goaltending. This time, they’re deeper and more experienced—but the risk of regression remains.

The NHL’s Competitive Landscape in 2025-26

This season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Several factors are driving the tight NHL standings: - Expanded rosters and cap flexibility: More teams can carry depth, reducing the gap between contenders and also-rans. - Emergence of young stars: Players like Connor Bedard (Chicago), Dylan Guenther (Utah), and Adam Fantilli (Columbus) are pushing their teams into relevance. - Goaltending volatility: With several teams relying on unproven or aging netminders, the margin for error is slim.

For Canadian fans, the stakes are especially high. The Montreal Canadiens’ strong start (6-1-0, tied with the Devils) has rekindled hope in Quebec, while the Maple Leafs and Senators are battling for Atlantic supremacy. Even the Canucks and Oilers are in the mix out West, making the Canadian teams a major storyline in the NHL standings.

Immediate Effects: What This Means Right Now

The Devils’ rise isn’t just about pride—it has real-world consequences.

1. Playoff Positioning

In the NHL, home-ice advantage in the playoffs can be the difference between advancing and elimination. The Devils are currently on pace for a top-three finish in the Metropolitan Division, which could secure them home games in Round 1.

2. Trade Market Leverage

With a strong record, the Devils have bargaining power. If they need to add a piece at the trade deadline (e.g., a top-four defenseman or a veteran winger), they can afford to be selective. Conversely, a midseason slump could force them to overpay.

3. Fan Engagement and Revenue

In New Jersey, ticket sales, merchandise, and local media coverage are all up. A winning team drives economic activity—something especially relevant as the NHL continues to expand its U.S. footprint. For Canadian markets, strong starts by Habs, Leafs,