New Jersey Devils: Could Nick Lappin Be Surprise Goal Scorer?
The New Jersey Devils are going with youth for the 2018-19 season, at least that’s what it seems. One player that could crack the lineup and produce is forward Nick Lappin.
Nick Lappin was a player many New Jersey Devils fans expected to make the team last season to start the year. He played 43 games with the terrible team that took the ice the year before, but he was clearly growing as a player. Since he was one of the few Devils will legit NHL experience, it seemed obvious he’d play a role in the team last year.
That actually didn’t happen, and it was surprising. Lappin was very good with the Binghamton Devils. He scored 31 goals in 65 games with Bingo, and added another goal with the NHL club. All season, fans thought he and John Quenneville could be the players getting a call up, but the club decided to stick with Drew Stafford, Jimmy Hayes and Michael Grabner. All three of those players are gone, and Hayes and Grabner already signed with new teams.
That means there are more opportunities for younger players. Sure, the Devils could sign a few players to PTOs, but the competition will still be between the kids.
Lappin is 25 years old. He’s getting up there in age when it comes to forward prospects. A team expects a player to run into his prime around 27. He’ll be one year away from that in November.
The time is now to see what the Devils have in Lappin. He scored more goals last year that he’s ever scored in his life, including in college according to Elite Prospects. He’s taking to the coaching and progressing as a scorer. He may never be a 30-goal player in the NHL, but he could definitely contribute on the offensive side. He’s has a slick wrist motion that can last for years.
He’s comparable to Blake Coleman as far as possible production. Offensively, he can score 15-20 goals in his best years, and he’ll add about the same in assists. The Devils would love that production in the bottom six. Especially if players like Miles Wood and Stefan Noesen progress offensively, then adding Lappin’s production will only help.
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He’ll have to fight tooth and nail with Joey Anderson, John Quenneville and Michael McLeod for spots on the NHL team. The three prospects I just named went to the Devils Development Camp this week, meaning they were given extra time to impress the coaches. That may work against Lappin, but he still has plenty of time to impress.
Even if Lappin starts the year in Binghamton, he could easily make a major impact in the NHL. He will likely be the first injury call up, and if he shows scoring prowess the Devils would have to keep him.
It’s getting to the now or never point with Lappin. If there isn’t room for him again, maybe use him as part of a trade to upgrade the defense. However, I think he could be a very good part of the Devils roster. Especially if he can find the shot that made him a 30-goal scorer in the AHL.