Arseny Gritsyuk Nets Two Points in Devils’ 5-3 Preseason Loss to Rangers

The New Jersey Devils opened their preseason schedule on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils fell 5-3 to the New York Rangers in the first game of the preseason. Head coach Sheldon Keefe stated before the game that the emphasis was not on the result but on giving players the opportunity to compete for spots in the lineup.

“He’s an offensive player. So in a game like this, you want him confident, making plays, being himself offensively,” Keefe said. “At the same time, it’s all the little things: energy, speed, comprehension of our system. Each player has an identity of who they are. Go out and be that.”

The Devils dressed only four players who were regulars last season: Paul Cotter, Cody Glass, Kurtis MacDermid, and goaltender Jake Allen. The rest of the roster consisted of players making their NHL preseason debuts or competing for a place on the opening night roster. Among them was 24-year-old Russian forward Arseny Gritsyuk, who made his preseason debut for New Jersey.

Gritsyuk recorded two points in his first NHL preseason game. At 15:52 of the second period, he registered his first assist. With Rangers defenseman Casey Fitzgerald attempting to take away his space, Gritsyuk slipped a pass through Fitzgerald’s stick to Cotter, who moved into the slot and scored on Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick. Keefe praised the play afterward, saying, “Great little slip on Cotter’s goal. The more touches he got in the second half of the game, I thought Grits started to come alive a little bit. That was positive to see.”

In the third period, Gritsyuk scored a power-play goal from the right side with a shot that went top corner. Afterward, he explained, “I’m starting on the left side on the power play, I only played (there) a couple times in Russia. And when we had the last power play, I went right side and I see what is my time for my shot. I’m feeling good. It was a good time.”

He finished the game with a goal, an assist, and six shots on net, and he also delivered four hits. Following the game, Gritsyuk reflected on his debut: “I am tired. A lot of battles, big speed, all guys are bigger than me, but I enjoyed this time. I had good partners, good team, couple of guys support me on the bench, Cotter a lot of time saved me on the ice. I’m feeling good.”

In addition to Gritsyuk, Brian Halonen scored a power-play goal in the first period, assisted by Dennis Cholowski and Mike Hardman. Paul Cotter scored once at even strength in the second period. Cotter was also credited with 10 hits during the game. “I haven’t hit anyone in a couple of months, so that was nice,” Cotter said. “It’s nice to get back in the swing of things.”

On defense, Ethan Edwards made his preseason debut, paired with Austin Strand. Edwards played 19:44, led all defensemen with five blocked shots, and was the only defenseman to finish with a positive plus-minus rating at plus-1.

In goal, Jake Allen started and played the first period, making nine saves on 10 shots. He was replaced by Nico Daws for the second and third periods. Daws faced 13 shots and made nine saves. Jeremy Brodeur served as Daws’ backup but did not play.

For the Rangers, Gabe Perrault opened the scoring at 3:00 of the first period, assisted by Casey Fitzgerald. Dylan Roobroeck, Conor Sheary, and Scott Morrow all scored in the second period. Jonny Brodzinski added a goal in the third period.

Behind the bench, Jeremy Colliton, who had previously served as the “eye in the sky” during games, transitioned into a new role this season, working directly on the bench alongside Sheldon Keefe and assistant coach Brad Shaw.

Betting markets continue to track the Devils as the regular season approaches. DraftKings and ESPN list the Devils’ Stanley Cup futures at +1600. Covers lists New Jersey at +1800 to win the Stanley Cup, with Eastern Conference odds at +800 and Metropolitan Division odds at +300. FanDuel has set a season points total of 100.5, with the Over priced at -106 and the Under at -114. BetMGM’s “make playoffs” market shows Yes at -325 and No at +250. VegasInsider’s composite screen has the Devils’ Stanley Cup odds holding around +1800. These prices place New Jersey in the second tier of futures markets, behind top teams such as Florida, Edmonton, Colorado, and Carolina.