New Jersey Devils Daily: Team X-Factor, John Hynes, More

On today’s New Jersey Devils Daily, who could be the team’s X-factor this season, why John Hynes got a reprieve to start the season and who may be in on former Devils prospect Alex Kerfoot.

When thinking of the X-factor for the New Jersey Devils, one may think of Taylor Hall, Cory Schneider or even Damon Severson, but could Marcus Johansson be that player? That’s what Brett Friedensohn with Elite Sports NY believes. Johansson came to the Devils in a great move by Ray Shero, sending two picks in exchange for the talented forward. He will make major noise on the powerplay, where he will likely play with either Hall or Nico Hischier. Johansson can help create goals and finish off a great chance. He will prove to be a great pickup.

Marcus Johansson: The New Jersey Devils’ X-factor Many Won’t Expect

Chris Ryan with NJ.com looks at how the Devils defense can improve as currently constructed. The D unit will bring back a majority of what the team had last season, which wasn’t very good. The only additions were Mirco Mueller and Yaroslav Dyblenko. Ryan seems to believe Steve Santini’s improvements are the key to make a Devils team that has been historically a defensive team back to its roots.

How can Devils’ defense improve in 2017-18?

Pucks and Pitchforks looks at the effects of Travis Zajac’s injury on head coach John Hynes. After last season, Hynes was likely looking at some added pressure to start this season. The Devils fell apart, and his leash was likely shorter than most head coaches. Now, with Zajac’s injury, Hynes has a much longer leash to finish out the season.

New Jersey Devils: Travis Zajac Injury Gives John Hynes Longer Leash

Alex Kerfoot’s agent J.P. Barry told the New York Post’s Larry Brooks that his client has two or three teams on his final list of teams to sign with. Two of those teams are no doubt the New York Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks. While one random source said the Devils are still in the running, I highly doubt that’s true. Expect Kerfoot to make his final decision within the next few days.

Rangers a finalist for Harvard stud, who would be perfect fit

Brian Franken with All About the Jersey starts his list of 25 best players under 25 years old with the honorable mentions. Two of the most interesting names on the list include Josh Jacobs and Colton White. The two defensive prospects have an outside chance to really make a difference for the future of this team, but have a long way to go. Another player to watch is Victor Loov. He came to the Devils via trade last season and surprisingly re-signed in the offseason.

The 2017 AATJ Top 25 Devils Under 25: The Outsiders (#45 – #26)