Rookies Nico Hischier and Will Butcher are slated to make their first appearance at home in competition. Hischier, the 2017 first-overall pick, will be centering a line with John Quenneville and Jimmy Hayes on his wings. He's excited for his debut, and spoken like a true hockey player, Hischier said after practice, "Just want to get a win tonight."
At least one familiar face will be in the crowd for Hischier. His father Rinaldo is in town for a week and will be at Prudential Center to catch his son's NHL preseason debut.
Tweet from @NJDevils: "I just want to get a win tonight." @nicohischier has his mind right for #WSHvsNJD. ������ pic.twitter.com/x7Eo2wXfpm
Meanwhile, Butcher was paired on the second defensive unit on the left side with Damon Severson.
Another debut is that of Marcus Johansson. Johansson will not only put the Devils' jersey on for the first time in competition, it will also be the first time he faces some of his former Washington Capitals teammates. Washington traded Johansson to New Jersey earlier this summer. He'll get top billing, centering the first line between Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri.