Devils face the Flyers in the final 2025-26 preseason game at 12:30 pm ET, with Nico Hischier out and a lineup likely loaded with AHL-bound players. The night doubles as an audition for fringe NHL hopefuls as the team pivots toward the home opener, while Noesen nears a return and Luke Hughes remains sidelined. Expect limited risk and plenty of opportunity for depth players to grab a roster spot, underscored by the Devils’ aim to cap preseason with a win.

Grimace’s cryptic drop of a prediction aside, the storyline centers on who steps up when the spotlight is switched to those fighting for real ice time. Flyers, likewise, will mix rosters for roster-bid chances, making this more about process than result as both clubs prepare for the regular season.

The Boston Bruins have made significant moves as they prepare for the upcoming NHL draft, bolstering their draft pick inventory by trading away notable players including Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle. These transactions reflect the Bruins' strategic shift as they look to rebuild and retool their roster for future success. Marchand's departure, in particular, marks a pivotal moment in the franchise's direction, signaling a transition phase that could redefine the team's identity.

In addition to the high-profile trades, the Bruins also parted ways with Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau, and Brandon Carlo. These moves not only add to their draft capital but also open up salary cap space, enabling them to pursue new talent during the offseason. With a combination of seasoned players leaving and exciting prospects coming in through the draft, the Bruins are positioning themselves for a fresh start, which could be beneficial for fantasy managers looking to capitalize on emerging talents.

The Buffalo Sabres secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory against the New Jersey Devils, marking their third consecutive win. However, the spotlight after the game was on a controversial hit by Stefan Noesen that sidelined Sabres’ star forward Tage Thompson, who recently earned NHL's Second Star of the Week honors. The hit occurred when Thompson lunged for the puck, leading to a five-minute match penalty for Noesen. Despite the severity of the incident, the NHL opted not to pursue any additional disciplinary actions, prompting criticism regarding the Sabres' lack of retaliatory actions following the injury of their leading scorer.

Coach Lindy Ruff highlighted a missed opportunity for the Sabres to respond to the hit on Thompson, especially in a game where their playoff hopes seemed dim, trailing 11 points from the last wild-card spot. It raised concerns about team dynamics and the need to protect their star players. While Thompson was medically cleared, his availability for the next game against Columbus remains uncertain, as the Sabres opted not to hold practice the following day.

In a heated match between the New Jersey Devils and the Buffalo Sabres on February 2, 2025, Stefan Noesen was penalized with a match penalty for a head hit on Tage Thompson. The incident occurred while Thompson pursued the puck, resulting in a direct hit to his head at the 5:11 mark in the third period. Thompson was visibly shaken and did not return to the game. Despite playing shorthanded, the Devils managed to hold the Sabres scoreless during Noesen's penalty, with Jack Hughes scoring a short-handed goal to narrow the score to 4-3. However, the Devils failed to equalize before the final buzzer. This season, Noesen has already reached a personal best with 18 goals, contributing to his 30 points and 98 hits.