5 Players Key for a Successful New Jersey Devils Season

Nikita Gusev:

Nikita Gusev became an internet sensation within the Devils community this off-season as they almost willed him on the New Jersey Devils. Give credit where credit is due. Pucks and Pitchforks own Tyler Kelly was one of the first to recognize the Russian winger, but that’s neither here nor there.

Gusev brings with him a phenomenal arsenal of offense and skating ability. The biggest question marks on him so far have been if his European game can transition to the NHL game. Rightfully so, we have seen plenty of highly-touted talent from overseas come to the NHL and were unable to adjust to the smaller ice surface and the different style of play.

In terms of what he offers the Devils is unlike anything the Devils have had since Ilya Kovalchuk, a scoring presence that can snipe the puck from just about anywhere and look incredible doing it. The Devils went out on a limb in signing Gusev. He does carry some risk being an international player, but they were willing to take that risk and it speaks volumes about what this team is trying to do and where they see themselves going.

Gusev is going to be a huge part of the success of this team as he is going to be asked to contribute to one of the power-play units. He can move the puck and skate with it as good as anyone, which is a major asset.

The biggest reason why he’ll be a key part of our success though is that he’s expected to put points on the board. It is as simple as that. If that doesn’t happen, it will look like another player from the international game unable to play in North America. If Gusev delivers as he is expected to do it can raise the level of play for his linemates and provide a true second scoring attack next to Taylor Hall, something only the best of teams have.