New Jersey Devils Daily: Nico Expectations, Youth Replacing Zajac, More

On today’s New Jersey Devils Daily, how the team needs a youth movement to replace Travis Zajac, what to expect from Nico Hischier’s rookie year and why Cory Schneider will bounce back according to his backup.

What can we realistically expect from Nico Hischier in his rookie year? That’s the question Todd Correll with Hockey Buzz attempts to answer that question. He says that a productive season from Hischier is all we could ask. Something in the realm of Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews is not in the cards. He’s more likely to score 15 goals than he is to score 30. Even with the added ice time with Travis Zajac’s injury, don’t expect an all star from the jump.

What should we expect from Nico Hischier as a rookie?

Tyler Kelley with Pucks and Pitchforks looks at the players affect by Zajac’s torn pectoral muscle. There will be a massive youth movement on the Devils, more than what was already happening. He talks about the major effect this will have to the bottom six, maybe even more than it has on Zajac’s line. He even says Ray Shero may be more inclined to sign PTOs now that there’s a missing body playing forward.

New Jersey Devils: Travis Zajac Injury Paves Way For Young Players

Chris Ryan with NJ.com spoke with Devils backup goalie Keith Kinkaid about his teammate Cory Schneider. With the upmost confidence, Kinkaid believes Schneider will once again be a dominant netminder in 2017-18. He also talks about why he came back to the Devils. He had a chance to talk to other teams, but his goal was always to come back to New Jersey.

Devils’ Keith Kinkaid offers bold prediction for fellow goalie Cory Schneider

CBS Sports wrote a short blurb on Michael McLeod. He talked about the blow that Zajac’s injury is to the Devils, but says it doesn’t change his mindset coming into training camp. His goal is to make this team with or without the Devils top-line center on the Opening Night roster.

Devils’ Michael McLeod: Looking to seize NHL role in 2017-18

The Devils continue its charity work with a brand new 5K. Patch covers the announcement of the inaugural Running with the Devils 5K Run. It will take place on Sunday, September 24th at the Turtle Back Zoo (a childhood love of mine). All the money raised will benefit Clara Maas Hospital in Belleville, so sign up if you can.

NJ Devils 5K Fundraiser Will Benefit Clara Maass Hospital In Belleville