Let's be honest: the 2025-26 season was a major letdown for the New Jersey Devils and their fans. Entering the year with playoff hopes and dreams of a deep run, the team instead struggled with consistency, ultimately falling short of the postseason once again. The mid-season dismissal of GM Tom Fitzgerald underscored the depth of the disappointment. While the future remains uncertain—a roster can look brilliant on paper yet falter on the ice—it's crucial to find the silver linings that can fuel a turnaround.

Amid the frustration, several Devils players delivered performances that exceeded expectations, providing genuine hope for the foundation of next season. These bright spots are worth celebrating and building upon.

The most electrifying news was the resurgence of Jack Hughes. After returning from the Olympics, where he scored the golden goal, Hughes looked like a completely different player. It became clear he had been playing through injury earlier in the season. His final 25 games were a masterclass, accounting for 41 of his 77 total points. That late surge translated to a blistering 135-point pace over a full season, reminding everyone just how dominant a healthy Jack Hughes can be. For the Devils to contend, keeping their superstar center on the ice is priority number one.

Another key contributor emerged in the bottom six: Cody Glass. After a summer of contract uncertainty, Glass re-signed and quietly put together a strong, reliable campaign. He provided valuable secondary scoring and solidified his role as a dependable fixture in the lineup, exactly the kind of depth performance a team needs to compete.