Better Health
Injuries strike every club, but it certainly feels as if the Devils were bitten particularly hard by the injury bug.
Marcus Johansson, acquired from the Washington Capitals with the expectation of becoming at least a 2nd-liner and powerplay contributor, battled concussions all season and only played 29 games. Kyle Palmieri, held back by leg injuries, played just 62 games, though he still put up 24 goals and 44 points. Star goaltender Cory Schneider, as mentioned earlier, also missed time due to injury, as did shut-down center Travis Zajac.
Additionally, several lesser-contributors like Brian Boyle, Brian Gibbons, and Pavel Zacha suffered through injuries and illness. That the Devils earned 97 points in 2017-2018 in the face of injuries to multiple key players speaks to the potential already on the roster for a jump in the standings.