New Jersey Devils Preseason Game 2: Who to Watch

The New Jersey Devils take the ice with its second unit tonight against the New York Rangers. With so many players fighting for roster spots, here’s who to look out for in preseason game two.

Game one against the Washington Capitals had New Jersey Devils fans excited. Nico Hischier scored his first goal, Will Butcher matched expectations, and Scott Wedgewood showed no signs of his injury slowing him down. Here’s who to watch for in game two against the New York Rangers:

Drew Stafford

Ray Shero brought Drew Stafford in on a one-year, $800,000 deal. It’ll be interesting to see which version of Stafford the Devils get. Coach Hynes has already said they’ll take a look at Stafford in the top six. While he likely belongs in a 3^rd line role, it’ll be interesting to see how he performs early on.

Michael McLeod

I recently predicted Mike McLeod will be a top-six winger on New Jersey this year. While it seems like a long shot, the real alternative is Drew Stafford. McLeod’s speed really popped at the prospect tournament, but beyond that he didn’t look great.

If McLeod doesn’t stand out, he’ll likely find himself back in juniors again this year. The right wing position after Kyle Palmieri is wide open. With a good showing, McLeod could earn himself some serious playing time.

Pavel Zacha

Pavel Zacha had an up-and-down rookie campaign. He’ll be openly competing with Marcus Johnasson, Adam Henrique, and likely Nico Hischier for the first line center role. Regardless of where he finds himself in the lineup, I’m expecting a big jump from Zacha.

Coach Hynes left the door open, and now its time for Zacha to earn himself a top-six center role.

Blake Speers

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Speers is one of the players that really surprised me at prospect camp. He showed the versatility that gets players on NHL rosters. Excelling in both a center and right wing role. With the Devils seriously lacking right wing depth, I think Speers is a sleeper to make the Devils opening night roster.

Cory Schneider and Mackenzie Blackwood

Schneider had some fans worried after a down year last year. I fully expect him to regain his form and show that he’s still an elite goalie in the NHL.

As for Blackwood, he had a really bad showing at the prospect tournament (as did the rest of the Devils). Blackwood was thrown into an unexpected AHL role last year and showed improvement as the year went on. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs in the preseason. While we likely won’t see him in the NHL for at least two more years, its always good to have goaltending depth.