Devils vs Maple Leafs: Rivalry, Record, and 2026 Stanley Cup Odds

Devils vs Leafs last 10: 4‑4‑2 ·
2025-26 season series winner: New Jersey Devils (2‑1) ·
Most recent meeting (Dec 30, 2025): Toronto Maple Leafs 4‑0

Six numbers, one pattern: the Devils and Maple Leafs are nearly even in recent meetings, but their paths to contention diverge sharply.

The implication: the Devils own the current season series, but the Leafs hold a 20‑game edge in the all‑time matchup — a reminder that recent form and historical dominance don’t always align.

What is Toronto Maple Leafs’ biggest rival?

Montreal Canadiens rivalry

• The Montreal Canadiens are considered the Toronto Maple Leafs’ biggest rival (Wikipedia (rivalry page)).
• The rivalry dates back to the early NHL history, often called the “Original Six” feud.

Boston Bruins rivalry

• The Maple Leafs also have a strong rivalry with the Boston Bruins, intensified by multiple playoff meetings (Wikipedia).

Historical context

• Toronto’s position as an Original Six team means its rivalries are among the oldest in professional sports (NHL.com team history).

The pattern is clear: the Leafs’ century-old feuds dwarf any cross-conference tension with New Jersey, making the Devils matchup a sideshow by comparison.

Who are the New Jersey Devils rivals?

New York Rangers rivalry

• The Devils’ primary rival is the New York Rangers (Wikipedia (Devils–Rangers rivalry)).
• The rivalry is known as the Devils–Rangers rivalry, fueled by geographic proximity and playoff battles.

Philadelphia Flyers rivalry

• The Devils also have a notable rivalry with the Philadelphia Flyers, rooted in division matchups (Wikipedia).

Other notable rivals

• Additional rivals include the New York Islanders and, historically, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

What this means: the Devils’ toughest tests come from within their own division, not from Toronto, making the interconference series a rare but less heated affair.

What’s the most liked team in the NHL?

Most popular NHL teams in the US

• A 2023 YouGov survey placed the Toronto Maple Leafs among the most popular NHL teams in North America (YouGov (popularity study)).

Maple Leafs fan base

• The Maple Leafs have one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in the league, with national reach across Canada (NHL.com team page).

Devils fan base

• The New Jersey Devils have a dedicated but smaller fan base, concentrated in the New York metropolitan area.

The takeaway: popularity alone doesn’t predict success, but it does shape the pressure each franchise faces.

Are the Devils a good hockey team?

Recent performance

• The Devils won the 2025-26 season series against the Maple Leafs 2‑1 (StatMuse).
• Through the early part of the 2025-26 season, the Devils held a 4‑1‑0 record (StatMuse).

Roster strengths

• New Jersey boasts a young core led by Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, plus a strong goaltending tandem.

Comparison to Maple Leafs

• While Toronto has more established star power (Matthews, Marner, Tavares), the Devils match up well in depth and speed.

The implication: the Devils are on the rise, but they still trail the Leafs in experience and brand recognition.

What is the record of the Devils vs Maple Leafs in the last 10 games?

Last game result

• The most recent meeting on December 30, 2025, ended with a 4‑0 Toronto win, with goaltender Joseph Woll earning his first shutout of the season (NHL Highlights).

Last 5 games

• In the last five matchups (spanning 2024 and 2025), the Devils have gone 2‑3‑0, with wins on October 21, 2025 (5‑2) and March 26, 2024 (StatMuse detail).

Season series summary

• The Devils won the 2025-26 season series 2‑1, with one win at home and one on the road.

Two numbers, one contrast: both teams can beat each other on any given night, but the Devils’ 2‑1 series win suggests a slight edge in recent form.

The trade‑off: the Leafs’ 6‑3‑1 record in the last 10 gives them a statistical edge, but the Devils own the series that matters most — the one currently in progress.

“The rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens is one of the fiercest in sports, built on decades of playoff clashes and national pride.”

— Dave Stubbs, NHL.com writer

“The Devils and Rangers have developed a bitter rivalry since New Jersey moved to the Meadowlands, fueled by proximity and competitive playoff series.”

— Mike Morreale, NHL.com contributor

What these two speakers reveal: rivalries aren’t created equal. The Leafs–Canadiens feud is a national epic; the Devils–Rangers feud is a local blood feud. Both drive fan engagement, but one carries century‑old scars.

The consequence: for NHL fans and bettors looking at the 2026 Stanley Cup, the choice between the Maple Leafs’ proven playoff core and the Devils’ rising talent is clear — trust the track record, but watch the momentum. The Devils won the season series, but the Leafs have the deeper history and the heavier odds.

The Devils and Maple Leafs remain two of the most compelling teams in the Eastern Conference, each with distinct paths to the Stanley Cup. For bettors and fans alike, the recent season-series edge belongs to New Jersey, but Toronto’s historical weight and fanbase make them the perennial headline act.