Remember the Devils 20th overall selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Jacob Josefson? He was everyone’s prediction to be a breakout player each season they had him. Spoiler alert, it never happened.
After seven seasons of not being able to figure out his game, the Devils put him out to pasture where the Buffalo Sabres gave him a second chance.
With the subtraction of Josefson, the Devils had a vacancy for a left-handed, Swedish forward coming into the 2017-18 campaign. The Devils have now entered the era of Jesper Bratt.
Who is Jesper Bratt? He was the Devils 6th round (162nd overall) pick in last year’s draft. Bratt had a tremendous training camp and preseason, earning a shot on the opening night roster.
Bratt surprised everyone by making the team, wasting no time making a good first impression. In his debut against Colorado, he tallied a power play goal and a short-handed assist. He has not slowed down in the slightest, currently sitting with 13 points over 17 games. The biggest shock of this all, Bratt’s putting up those numbers while averaging under 16 minutes a game.
To put this into perspective, Josefson’s highest scoring season over his seven year tenure was 14 points in 58 games. That’s right, Jesper Bratt is already one point away from tying that total.
Not only has the point production been there, but Bratt seems to be in all the right places at the right times. Thus far, he has been an impact player every game. He has shown great decision making along with his quick hands. Bratt has been strong on the forecheck, and responsible in his own end as well.
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What was the problem with Jacob Josefson? Many would point to his long injury history, including a torn ligament in his thumb, broken clavicle, and broken left wrist. Confidence also played into this. Players will sometimes change small elements of their game to attempt avoiding injury. Josefson may not be able to turn it around even with a change of scenery. He’s only made six appearances this season, and has yet to register a point.
One thing is for sure, Jesper Bratt seems to be a major improvement in his small sample in New Jersey. The future of the 19-year-old looks bright. I’m sure all fans would prefer having Jesper Bratt, over our ex-shootout expert, Jacob Josefson.