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New Jersey Devils: 5 Reasons To Be Optimistic This Season

By Nick Villano

NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 24: The New Jersey Devils salute the fans after defeating the Vancouver Canucks at Prudential Center on November 24, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Canucks 3-2. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 24: The New Jersey Devils salute the fans after defeating the Vancouver Canucks at Prudential Center on November 24, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Canucks 3-2. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Marcus Johansson Is Finally Healthy

The Devils made a splash last offseason when on the second day of free agency, they actually hit the trade market. Ray Shero called the Washington Capitals, and took one of their good, young players in Marcus Johansson. It was a masterful trade that should have really helped the team win.

Unfortunately, Johansson dealt with injuries all season long, including a bad concussion from a purposeful elbow at the hands of Brad Marchand. It took him until the playoffs to return, and it was obvious he needed time to get his legs.

Well, he’s had all offseason to get his legs. It’s likely that he will be back to his 20 goals, 50 points we expected from him last season. Putting that kind of production on the second line will really help. More importantly, adding some extra production to the Devils second power play will really help. That unit was a real weakness for the Devils last season.

We should be really excited to have a fully healthy Johansson this season. He will take a big load off the shoulders of Taylor Hall.

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