After a blazing breakout 2022-23 season, hopes have been higher for the New Jersey Devils, who were in a long, grueling rebuild for nearly a decade leading into it.
But, the Devils missed the playoffs in 2023-24, and in 2024-25, a hot start fizzled out, injuries set in once again, and New Jersey was handily dismissed in the first round of the postseason by the Metropolitan Division rival Carolina Hurricanes in five games.
The process, in the eyes of Devils captain Nico Hischier, has been frustrating, but as the leader he is, the former No. 1 continues to publicly express belief in his teammates, including the ones who have been injured.