The New Jersey Devils are simply playing for jobs at this point. One player has been very noticeable and could stick around!
Things have not been ideal for the New Jersey Devils lately. It has been hard to watch every game because it seems like now they are finding ways to lose. Some fans want them to tank, but that isn’t really the best way to think. Rooting for the best position for the draft is fine, but guys need to improve and make a case for themselves in the process. On top of that, you want the goalies playing well and feeling good for next year.
Out of all the new players that the Devils have been looking at this season, not many have had the same scoring touch as Kenny Agostino. Kenny was claimed off of waivers from the Montreal Canadiens earlier this season. This is a guy who has an AHL scoring title on his resume and is now getting a real chance in the show with his hometown team.
In 16 games played for New Jersey, he has three goals and five assists for eight points. That is a pace for 41 points over a full 82 games. That would be incredible production from a bottom-six forward on a New Jersey Devils team looking to win. He is making a real case for himself to come into next year and win a job in the starting lineup.
Nobody would expect him to be a primary option like Taylor Hall, Nico Hischier or Kyle Palmieri. But if he could get Pavel Zacha going in a bottom six role then he could prove to be another valuable waiver claim making an impact for this team. The team that made the playoffs in 17-18 and took a major step back in 18-19 and will look to take another step forward in 2019-20 would greatly benefit from a guy like that playing as good as he has.
This road trip so far has seen them get embarrassed by the Calgary Flames but basically, end the Edmonton Oilers season. With the help of Agostino, that is the point of these final games. is to seal up some good draft positioning yet watch the everyone improve and play well. We wish the Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, and the Detroit Red Wings good luck in their remaining games. Better days are ahead. It would be nice to see Kenny Agostino in red and black during those better days.