5 New Jersey Devils Who Could Have 30-goal seasons next season

Kyle Palmieri

Let’s start with the obvious. Kyle Palmieri is the only player currently on the Devils that has scored 30 goals for the Devils. Last season, he had 25 goals in 65 games. For those counting at home, that puts him on a 31-goal pace. Obvioiusly, the main issue with Palmieri hitting goals nowadays is injuries. He hasn’t played a full 82-game season since his last 30-goal season back in 2015-16.

Palmieri is going into a very important year. This is a contract year during a pandemic, so if he’s going to get a decent extension then he needs to prove he can score at a considerable clip. With a player like Mike Hoffman, who has scored at a similar pace, can’t find a home. Literally nobody is willing to hit his price. Hopefully, things are a closer to normal next offseason, but that’s a chance if Palmieri comes with issues, he won’t get the long-term contract he was hoping for.

Palmieri is likely going to spend time on the top line where he’s been for most of his time on the Devils. He will be with Hischier most likely, but who his left wing will be is still a mystery. There are plenty of options, but whoever they put there could either severely help Palmieri’s road to 30 goals or it might hinder it.