Everyone knows the story about how the New Jersey Devils had no expectations for the 2017-18 season and surprised with a trip to the post season. Now, one year later, we go into the season with what seems to be mixed expectations from various people and fans.
Nobody seems to think that the New Jersey Devils are going to light the world on fire and have 110+ points. At the same time, nobody really believes that they are going to take a huge step back and bottom out. Most people, with the roster they have, expect a bubble team. The question is if its bubble in or bubble out.
What do the Devils need to be in the conversation of the “playoff locks”? How can they propel themselves into the conversation with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals or Boston Bruins? The answer is quite a few things.
When you evaluate all of the recent Stanley Cup Champions, they all have a few things in common. They all have a goaltender that can be trusted to give their team a chance every single night, a number one defenseman that plays almost half the game and can be in the Norris Trophy conversation, and at least one superstar center. Most of them have two. Add an elite scoring winger and a great number two defenseman and you have a core that you can build a true contender around.
When looking at the Devils roster as currently constructed, you see that they have a few pieces that fit the bill already, but there are holes.
Cory Schneider, when healthy, has proven he can be one of the best goaltenders in the league. Keith Kinkaid is a very formidable backup. The goalie situation has a question mark because of Schneider’s health and performance, but the team seems to believe that he is still the guy.
The Devils have one center that can be considered a superstar someday in Nico Hischier. This kid has a chance to be an elite two-way player, and if he reaches his true potential that’s something to cross off the list.
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Then, you look at what they seem to be missing. They do not have an elite Norris Trophy caliber defenseman on the team right now. Maybe Ty Smith grows into that guy, or maybe they acquire one via trade or free agency, but it is certainly a big hole in the lineup as far as a Cup contender goes. They do have a really good #2 guy in Sami Vatanen. He could absolutely complete an elite pair if he had a partner of that caliber, and Will Butcher’s offensive capabilities sure are a great thing to have as well.
Another thing they have is a need for production from a second line center. Pavel Zacha will likely get the shot at that role again this season. It is extremely important for his future with the team and the success of the team for him to have a breakout year. Zajac can do it defensively, but he is not nearly as young and his offense isn’t what it needs to be to work in that role properly.
Of course they have an elite scoring winger in Taylor Hall, and Kyle Palmieri is very good as well. The depth at the forward position seems to get better every season, so there is not as much of a worry there.
There is no doubt that the Devils are in a far better place than they were two seasons ago. It will continue to improve, and they are just a few pieces away from being a real Stanley Cup contender and still will remain a young fast team.