New Jersey Devils: Can They Put Together A Good Third Line?

The New Jersey Devils started to put together a really good third line before the season came to a pause. When hockey finally returns, can they keep Nikita Gusev, Jesper Bratt and Pavel Zacha together?

The New Jersey Devils have two centermen that they drafted with the first-overall pick in different NHL Drafts. In 2017, they took Nico Hischier and in 2019 took Jack Hughes. The Devils are hoping that these two kids grow into franchise level centerman that you need to go deep in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Devils also have wingers in Nikita Gusev and Jesper Bratt that are capable of playing in the top-six, but the team might be best served if they formed a very good third line.

If Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes drive lines one and two, then a productive third line would go a long way. That is where Nikita Gusev and Jesper Bratt on Pavel Zacha‘s wing could come in handy. If Zacha is able to consistently keep up with his wingers, then it could end up being a very good third line. A lot of it also has to do with how their top-six plays, but having this type of depth could go a long way. Nikita Gusev only has one year left on his contract, so that needs to be dealt with to make sure this line stays together.

Zacha has been below average for a sixth-overall pick, and that is putting it nicely. If the sweetness of Jesper Bratt and Nikita Gusev is able to help him along, it could mean a lot for his development, which is important for the Devils overall. This trio started to really come together at the end of the season.  All three of these players were a bit inconsistent at times in the very early portions of the season but really came on at the end.

There were points when Bratt and Gusev were scratched when they had absolutely no business being scratched, and their play down the stretch proved it. Even if you’re on the side that the scratching helped them elevate their game, you can’t argue that they were less deserving of lineup spots than most of the bottom six. Either way, this trio could be the key to their success in the future, especially if they are able to extend Nikita Gusev.

A lot of highlights that this team produced down the stretch included Bratt and Gusev making sweet plays in the opposition’s zone. As needed as this third line is going forward, they are equally as fun to watch.