News came out today the NHL is looking at multiple countries to play a game overseas. The New Jersey Devils should be front and center as teams that could be chosen.
The New Jersey Devils will never be the team one thinks of when people talk about showcasing the game. Despite a history with three Stanley Cups, this team is never going to be the team that drives the numbers. It’s just the truth. The fanbase is great, don’t get me wrong, but it just doesn’t come with the fairweather fans that teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins bring.
That’s at least the perception for now.
This Devils team that takes the ice now could be one that could get anyone to watch. This team is fast, fun and full of future star potential. You look up and down this lineup, and it’s a team full of highlights.
Just think about this, one of the most popular goals of the entire season came from Brian Boyle. When he scored his first goal of the season, it went instantly viral.
What a feeling for @BriBrows22.#BoyleStrong #HockeyFightsCancer https://t.co/0fk6Aa7Npw
— NHL (@NHL) November 10, 2017
Boyle plays on the Devils bottom six. Sure, this goal went viral due to the fact that he’s fighting cancer and admitted he cried afterwards, but it shows the type of characters on this Devils team.
Now to the point, the NHL is considering playing a game overseas next season. Right now, the countries in the running include China, Finland, Sweden, Germany and Switzerland.
Obviously, if the last team on that list gets an overseas game, the Devils would be the obvious choice. Nico Hischier is a star already in Switzerland. Before he ever stepped on the ice, he became a Swiss hero. He was the first player in history to be Swiss born and be the number-one overall pick. Letting him have a homecoming after such a great start to his career is a no brainer.
Even if the NHL chose a market like China, the Devils may be the team to pick.
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A market that doesn’t necessarily know the NHL as well, this would be a great way to introduce them to the sport. You have some of the prettiest goals in the league coming from the Devils top six. You have the grit and determination plays coming from players like Stefan Noesen and Blake Coleman. Then there are some of the best highlight reel saves coming from Cory Schneider.
It’s clearly a long shot. The Devils were given one game on national television this season. They faced the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 17th. They beat the best team in the league 5-4 in a great overtime game. It showed early in the season that the Devils played well when the lights shined bright.
This new look Devils team deserves more recognition outside of New Jersey. Give this team an international stage to shine.