With 2017-18 MVP Taylor Hall expected to return to form after an injury-marred campaign, 2017 No 1 pick Nico Hischier continuing his development and leading scorer Kyle Palmieri playing his best hockey, the Devils have a shot to do something in a league where the St. Louis Blues came out of nowhere to win the Stanley Cup.

Devils majority owner Josh Harris can't wait for the season to start, adding Devils' fans are used to winning Stanley Cups - the last was in 2003 - and now is the time to start doing it again.

"Jack Hughes joining the franchise represents another turn in our goal to be elite," Harris said at a media conference at the Prudential Center.

"We said we're here not to do anything other than consistently compete and ultimately win the Stanley Cup."

With parents Jim and Ellen sitting in the front row, the 18-year-old Hughes was soft spoken, confident and composed speaking on a stage that included Harris and Shero.

The Florida-born Hughes said he had no doubt he would be playing next season in the NHL and he hopes to play "a creative game".

He might be just what the talent-starved Devils need.