The New Jersey Devils are coming off another impressive performance against the Buffalo Sabres. Rookie Jesper Bratt has been the team’s best player early in the season.
Fans and analysts following Jesper Bratt this offseason saw an interesting progression. Most people thought Bratt would spend more time in Sweden over the next few years, rather than chance it in North America. Then, surprisingly, Bratt signed a three-year deal at the very beginning of the offseason.
Those who saw the move thought it was good, but not something to shout from the rooftops about. He was a sixth-round pick who had some skill, but the downside seemed low. Now, that seems like forever ago.
Despite a very impressive showing in the prospect tournament, Bratt was still a long shot to make the Devils. Then, Bratt went on fire during the preseason, forcing head coach John Hynes to find a spot on this team for him.
Still, him making the team seemed like a nine-game blip until he was sent to the London Knights. That’s no longer the case.
He scored two goals, including a beauty off a pass from Taylor Hall, and added an assist in a 6-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. He’s been very impressive on the offensive front. Bratt even earned his way onto the top line with Kyle Palmieri nursing a lower-body injury.
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His offensive skill is a breath of fresh air, but that’s not what’s going to keep him here. The reason Bratt will spend the season on the New Jersey Devils is his play on the penalty kill. Who knew this kid was so much more than an offensive dynamo? He scored on the PK on Monday, and assisted on Jimmy Hayes shorthanded goal against the Colorado Avalanche.
The Devils scored six shorthanded goals in 82 games last year. This year the team already scored 33 percent of that. That’s 100 percent thanks to Jesper Bratt.
The start of the Devils season seems like it’s a dream so far. 10 goals in two games and dominant performances all around. Yes, it’s against two opponents who missed the playoffs last season, but last season the Devils were the ones getting blown out. Now, partially thanks to Bratt, this team goes into Toronto with some real momentum. That’s why he isn’t going anywhere.
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