What happened: EA Sports released its NHL 27 positional ratings, designating Brett Pesce as the New Jersey Devils' top defenseman with an 87 overall mark. Luke Hughes, Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler followed in a three-way tie at 86.
Why it matters: The defensive depth gives New Jersey a rare collection of highly rated blueliners. The unit will need to compensate for in-game goaltending gaps following the offseason departure of Jacob Markstrom, as current netminders Jake Allen and Nico Daws missed the top 300.
By the numbers: Pesce ranks as the 10th-best right defenseman in NHL 27, while Luke Hughes leads the roster with a 93 speed rating. New Jersey forwards Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier all placed inside the game's top 100 overall players.
What to watch: Players can test the revamped blue line when NHL 27 launches ahead of the 2026-27 season.