New Jersey Devils Should Try Marcus Johansson At First-Line Center
The New Jersey Devils have a major issue, losing top-line center Travis Zajac for four to six months. While the team has depth at center, an unexpected option could fill the role until he returns.
The New Jersey Devils are in a conundrum right now. Travis Zajac is out unexpectedly, after tearing his pectoral muscle during training. Now, the Devils have to find an answer for top-line center that can keep the team afloat until Zajac returns.
There are multiple options that could work. Adam Henrique seems like the obvious answer. He’s the team’s second-line center, and has jumped to the first line before. His faceoff percentage isn’t great, but he has other factors that help. Henrique showed in previous seasons he can be a finisher, which is what Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri need to keep defenders off them. He’s even played decently well on the penalty kill.
The Devils could also put one of the many young centers in its system right to the top line. Obviously, players like Nico Hischier, Pavel Zacha and Michael McLeod would benefit from playing with Hall and Palmieri, but is it the right decision? Zacha has major work to do in the faceoff circle, and his future may be on the wing. McLeod is full of raw talent, but most of that talent is too raw. He needs to refine his game, and despite his immense speed, he could hold the line back. Hischier may do better with a little less pressure than first line from day one. The Devils future is relying on Hischier, so Devils brass needs to get it right.
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That’s why I think the Devils should look into Marcus Johansson to fill the top-line center role. Johansson has been in the league for seven seasons, giving him more experience than the Devils other options (outside of Brian Boyle, obviously). Johansson hasn’t been playing much center, but he’s been at least average in the faceoff circle when called upon.
Johansson came over this offseason in a trade with the Washington Capitals. He could thrive in a role with more responsibility. He fell under the radar in Washington. Now, he could vault himself in New Jersey.
When Ray Shero brought Johansson to New Jersey, he said he could play all three forward positions. This team clearly believes he’s capable of playing in the middle of any line. That’s why the Devils should try Johansson out on this top line. He won’t replace Zajac, but he is the best option to keep the Devils above water.