New Jersey Devils: Lindy Ruff Could Help Offensive Stars

The New Jersey Devils didn’t make the popular decision when they hired Lindy Ruff but maybe he could help the offensive stars on this team.

The New Jersey Devils have made a couple of decisions that are getting different reactions. They removed the interim tag from general manager Tom Fitzgerald, which was expected at this point. They also hired Lindy Ruff to be the 19th head coach in franchise history. That move has made a lot of people question their decision making. It is fair criticism when you look at some of the other options, but there might be a clear reason why he is the man taking the job.

Ruff has had some success with his teams creating offense in the past. Most recently as a head coach of the Dallas Stars, he turned their offensive stars into some of the best in the game. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn had been good players but never eclipsed 70 points until Ruff was their coach. Then, they became point-per-game players.

As you can see, Benn and Seguin both thrived offensively under Ruff in over 300 games played with him at the helm. It makes you wonder if he can unlock offense to the highest degree with guys like Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. Those two need to get going offensively so this team can start to win hockey games with regularity.

Hischier is always going to be more of a two-way guy. That doesn’t mean that a coach like Ruff can’t help him succeed in the offensive zone. He has a nice shot and the ability to get to the high-danger areas which should help him score lots of goals. If the Devils start to play a more high-tempo game, that should improve Hischier’s offensive output.

Jack Hughes is the kid that needs to produce offense at the highest level. He was, like Hischier, a number one overall pick. They are very different, however, because Hughes was drafted first out of the United States National Development Program because of how good he is at creating chances. In the dud system the Devils played in 2019-20 with their two coaches, Hughes was still one of the more dangerous skaters but bad luck, bad linemates, and bad decision making led to his totals being a bit underwhelming.

The goal for Lindy Ruff should be to use his philosophies to help this team grow. If nothing else, the development of the young kids, specifically Hughes and Hischier, should be the top priority of this organization. He has had success in the past so maybe it is time to give him a chance without guys. To be honest, nothing can be worse than the dud that was 2019-20. If anything, the team should be a bit more exciting.