Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils: Why Miles Wood Is So Important

By Vincent Parise

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 05: Miles Wood #44 of the New Jersey Devils scores a goal at 17:02 of the second period against Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Prudential Center on April 5, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 05: Miles Wood #44 of the New Jersey Devils scores a goal at 17:02 of the second period against Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Prudential Center on April 5, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils know what they have in Miles Wood, and that is why they MUST resign him as soon as possible. It could make or break a trip to the post season.

Everyone knows the difference between core players and role players, but everyone also knows that both groups are vital to making it to the post season and winning the Stanley Cup. You have heard about the core players of the New Jersey Devils for months, and how well they have played recently.

Taylor Hall won the MVP, Nico Hischier is an up-and-coming star, you’ve heard about Will Butcher and Jesper Bratt having monster starts to their careers. The thing is, you don’t win without the role players. The term “glue guys” or “sandpaper” gets thrown around a lot. The Devils very well make have an impact depth guy in Miles Wood.

In 2017-18, Wood wasn’t even in the opening day lineup. You can tell right off the bat that it bothered him really bad. He would finally get into the lineup, and go on to have a great season. Wood racked up 19 goals and 13 assists for 32 points. He didn’t get on the score sheet in any of the 5 postseason games, but that doesn’t mean much, as the Devils were bested by a much deeper Tampa Bay Lightning squad. As Wood and the Devils grow, the numbers in the postseason will improve, as his style of game is perfect for playoff hockey.

Miles Wood’s best on ice quality is his speed. He is one of the fastest players on the team, he could even compete with Taylor Hall in the speed department. He can use his speed to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

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Most guys that are considered role players don’t score 19 goals, and that is a great asset to have if you’re the New Jersey Devils. Miles Wood can also drop the gloves and fight if need be, as he has done a few times in his young career. The most recent Stanley Cup winners have gritty skill guys in their lineups every night. Look at Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals, Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins or Andrew Shaw of the Chicago Blackhawks and realize that all of these guys have tremendous skill and grit.

That is the way the new age NHL works. Your gritty guys need to have speed and some skill and that is exactly what Miles Wood brings. It is in the Devils’ best interest to sign the RFA forward to a contract and see what he can bring going forward. Wood is currently not signed, meaning he isn’t at training camp and won’t participate in the preseason until it gets worked out.

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