New Jersey Devils: 5 Players Who Could Be This Year's Jesper Bratt

New Jersey Devils: 5 Players Who Could Be This Year’s Jesper Bratt

MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 21:New Jersey Devils left wing Jesper Bratt (63) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the third period of the NHL preseason game between the New Jersey Devils and the Montreal Canadiens on September 21, 2017, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /

5. Nathan Bastian

This ones a long shot, but a shot nonetheless. Nathan Bastian was not good last year in his first professional season. After losing his best friend Michael McLeod because of NHL-Juniors rights rules, Bastian never seemed to take the next step in Binghamton.

However, this is a really skilled forward. At 6’4, 205 pounds, he gives the Devils some size they clearly know how to use. He could be a better version of Jimmy Hayes. Working with Brian Boyle, he could learn how to make his size work to his advantage.

He was compared to James van Riemsdyk in the past. If he produces half that then Devils fans would be happy. Imagine if Bastian comes out of nowhere and nets 15 goals this season. How happy would you be? It would be a surprise offensive producer coming from the bottom six.

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