The New Jersey Devils went through a season that nobody expected. They were not very good, but there are brighter days ahead.
The New Jersey Devils brutal season is finally over. Of course they will be missed, because at the end of the day they’re the team we love. Hopefully, this summer gives us a reason to be even more excited for the fall.
There were some good things that happened this year as well. They appear to have their goaltending figured out. They traded Keith Kinkaid away on an expiring deal. Cory Schneider and MacKenzie Blackwood appear to be the future tandem moving forward.
Nico Hischier might not have reached the same number of points that he did in his rookie year, but he definitely got better. He missed some time due to injury and if that didn’t happen he would have surpassed last year’s total. He has really grown and also showed that he can carry a line by himself.
Taylor Hall hasn’t played since the end of 2018 and Nico’s point pace stayed the same. With the return of a guy like Hall, he might even be able to get it way higher. Expect Nico to explode next year with the return of Hall.
Jesper Bratt had flashes this year that he can be a great top-six forward. People should be really excited about him and what he might be able to do as he reaches his prime. If he can be a winger on the second line going forward he can be a major help.
A guy like Pavel Zacha had a slow start to the season, but he really came on strong in the second half. This is a guy with lots of talent and hopefully this is him coming out and showing that he belongs as a member of the core. Next season could be his true breakout year if all goes well.
The biggest bright spot in 2018-19 may have been the play of Blake Coleman. He had a fantastic season for the Devils. We knew he could have a great year and he exceeded expectations. If he could do that again and have guys like Zacha and Miles Wood have more complete years this team could be very dangerous.
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There will be some young guys already in the organization that will get their fair chance in the fall as well as guys we haven’t met yet as they haven’t been drafted yet. The Devils have 10 picks in the 2019 NHL Draft as we stand right now and one of those will be no lower than sixth overall. There is also a decent chance that it is a top three pick.
The defense was something that will have some new faces next year. The Devils traded Ben Lovejoy away at the trade deadline and acquired Connor Carrick. He looks great so far in his Devils tenure and could be a guy who makes it next year. The additions of Ty Smith and Jeremy Davies could really make this blue line good next year.
We will have lots of offseason coverage at Pucks and Pitchforks this summer. Beginning with draft previews for lots of different players. The 2019 NHL Draft Lottery is Tuesday, April 9th. Hopefully there is a little bit of luck on our side on that night.
The New Jersey Devils came in 29th place in the overall league standings. That earns them the third best lottery odds at 11.5%. They also have the third best odds at a top three pick at 33.9%. Lottery balls have been on the Devils side in the past, hopefully that trend continues.