New Jersey hasn't won consecutive games since Jan. 22-25. It has missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs 10 times in the past 12 seasons, last qualifying in 2022-23 when it reached the second round for the first time since 2012 after finishing with the most wins (52) and points (112) in its history.

The Devils were in the market for a center at this year’s trade deadline, and now they may need two. While they are 33-23-6, they are spiraling toward a disastrous season — with a 9-12-3 record over their last 23 games ... and now, possibly missing star center Jack Hughes for a significant period of time.