New Jersey Devils Daily: Preseason Predictions, Lovejoy Problem, More
By Nick Villano
On today’s New Jersey Devils Daily, which players could win awards this season, another writer pegs them last and the major issue Ben Lovejoy brings to the coaching staff.
Pucks and Pitchforks goes through which players could win awards at the end of this season. Obviously, Nico Hischier is the most likely to win an award. If he plays like he did in the preseason, the Calder Trophy is his to lose. There is one other player who is basically guaranteed to win an award as long as he laces his skates.
5 New Jersey Devils Players Who Could Win Awards
Justin Cuthbert with a Greg Wyshynski-less Puck Daddy Blog had nothing but bad things to say about the New Jersey Devils in his Metropolitan Division preview. He said the Devs were the most likely team in the league to end up behind the Vegas Golden Knights at the end of the year. If that wasn’t bad enough, he called them the irrelevant team in the division despite having Nico Hischier on the Opening Night roster.
2017-18 NHL Preview: Metropolitan Division
Cam Tucker with Pro Hockey Talk was one of many who talked about Brian Boyle’s first media session since he was diagnosed with cancer. We found out that Boyle has been skating on his own, but has yet to take a bump. This makes it extremely unlikely he will be ready for opening night on Saturday. He did say he was progressing, and any good news will be taken in this situation.
Boyle is ‘progressing,’ but likely won’t be ready for Devils’ season opener
Chris Ryan with NJ.com spoke with Adam Henrique about his new role in the Devils offense. A player who’s been in the top six since his rookie year, Henrique finds himself centering the third line to start the season. He seems to be taking the move in stride, saying it has more to do with the team’s depth and ability to roll out three scoring lines. He says he’s comfortable everywhere, so once Travis Zajac and Boyle return expect him to move to the wing.
How Adam Henrique is approaching role with Devils
John Hynes has a major problem, and his name is Ben Lovejoy. The defenseman is not good, but because of a long-standing loyalty he will get a chance with the Devils. It’s hard to say what the team can do. He’s a veteran, and you don’t want to come off as a team that mistreats vets. At the same time, he’s hurting the team on the ice. Also, him being in the lineup means another one of these great young talents aren’t. It seems like a lose-lose situation.