Previewing the New Jersey Devils 2026 Offseason With JP Gambatese

The episode, hosted by Zach Berman, dives into a highly anticipated New Jersey Devils offseason, described as one of the most consequential in franchise history. Zach Berman welcomes JP Gambatese to discuss initial impressions of the Devils’ new front office hires, most notably praising the appointments of Sunny Mehta and Braden Birch, both with strong reputations from the Florida Panthers organization. The conversation highlights optimism around Mehta’s modern approach and Birch’s cap management expertise, with speculation about potential further additions from successful teams like Florida, including Bryan McCabe. Attention then shifts to the coaching situation. Zach Berman and JP Gambatese examine the surprise firing of Kris Knoblauch in Edmonton and weigh whether he would be an upgrade over current Devils coach Sheldon Keefe. While both acknowledge Keefe’s post-Olympic improvements with the Devils, JP Gambatese expresses that Knoblauch up-tempo, rush-centric style could further maximize the Devils’ roster—especially given their young, dynamic core. Roster construction and offseason strategy form the next major topic. Both agree the Devils should avoid overcommitting in free agency after observing the league's recent risky contracts. Instead, they see value in targeted trades, with the likely scenario of the Devils flipping the 12th overall pick for a top-six forward. Names like Jason Robertson, Robert Thomas, and Maveric Bourque are discussed as dream or realistic targets, while JP Gambatese also suggests Patrick Laine as a potential low-risk, high-upside reclamation project. The possibility of moving players like Simon Nemec or Dawson Mercer to acquire elite talent is also debated. Lastly, they delve into the draft strategy, advocating best-player-available regardless of position and highlighting prospects such as Viggo Bjorck, Wyatt Cullen, and Tynan Lawrence as strong candidates at pick #12. The episode closes with a look at goaltending, where both Zach Berman and JP Gambatese see Jacob Markstrom as a possible bounce-back option and emphasize that improving scoring and puck movement are greater priorities than changing netminders. The discussion concludes on a hopeful note for the Devils’ offseason, with an expectation for significant roster moves and continued coverage from JP Gambatese. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.