New Jersey Devils: 5 Predictions Coming Out Of Training Camp

Ty Smith gets a top-four role

Ty Smith was the biggest disappointment for the Devils in training camp last season. He was a virtual lock to make the Devils roster, but he had such a bad camp and preseason, he was sent back to Spokane to play in the WHL. He ended up dominating again and won his second WHL Defenseman of the Year award.

Now, he’s coming into camp as someone with expectations. He is not eligible for juniors anymore, and he either has to play in the AHL or NHL. The way the Devils defense is built, it seems like the Devils are at least expecting him to make the team. Maybe Reilly Walsh or Kevin Bahl can push the envelope, but Smith is the guy with the most talent and expectations, so that should win out in training camp.

The way the Devils defense looks, it appears that it would make the most sense for Smith to start the season on the second line with Damon Severson. If you pair Ryan Murray with P.K. Subban, then the Devils can get a little creative with their second line. Severson is a virtual lock to take the right defense position, but the left can go to other players. It will come down to Smith and Will Butcher. Butcher has been a disappointment after a monster rookie season, so starting him slowly to rebuild his confidence makes sense. Put Smith on that second line to show what he can do.