New Jersey Devils: Perfect Lineup For 2020-21 Season

Forward Line One

Andreas Johnsson-Nico Hischier-Mikael Granlund

The New Jersey Devils have a fantastic player in Nico Hischier. He is going to be a star for a long time and he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his potential. He uses his skills to help the Devils win games in different ways. He can score, he can defend, and he can do everything in between. This team’s success starts and ends with Hischier in mind, so he will be the top-line center in 2020-21.

Some people might be surprised to see this, but Andreas Johnsson should start the season on Hischier’s left-wing. He was acquired over the past offseason in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He didn’t get a lot of playing time in Toronto because they have so many great forwards, but he will have a big opportunity to shine in New Jersey. It feels like he would be a good match with Hischier.

Another player to play with Hischier on his right side can come from either within the organization or via free agency. For the sake of development (and the best possible lineup), a free agent feels better here. Mikael Granlund is a player that would make sense for the Devils to sign. He has had some very good offensive seasons in the past that could help the Devils.

He also has skill sets that have seemed to help out some of his previous linemates. If he had a chance to play on this line, Hischier and Johnsson would really benefit. We don’t know for sure if they will go outside the organization for help, but Granlund would be a great option if they did.