New Jersey Devils: Over/Under Prediction For Every Single Player

Kyle Palmeri: 32 Points

My Prediction: OVER

Kyle Palmeri was the goal and points leader for the Devils last season. He had 45 points in 65 games. Kyle Palmeri is most likely playing on the first line with Nikita Gusev and Jack Hughes since Hischier is hurt. With fast and dynamic wingers and a fast-paced offensive system led by Coach Lindy Ruff, Palmieri will produce in the 40 or 45 points range. Palmeri will be hungry to find the back of the net and with great playmakers, he might have a great time doing so.

Nikita Gusev: 50pts

My Prediction: LOWER

Nikita Gusev had a great first season for the New Jersey Devils. His 44 points in 66 games made him second on the Devils in points last season. Fans thought his production was underwhelming when comparing his production in the KHL. Fans need to consider that Gusev was adjusting to the smaller ice surface, had to work on a struggling Devils team, and had constantly had different linemates throughout the season. He was in an environment where he would struggle and have growing pains. Despite his struggles, he displayed his incredible hockey IQ and skills on the ice. Gusev looked very good in training camp. He was setting up amazing plays during the scrimmages that were broadcasted to the public. Gusev will have a big increase in production over last year, but he won’t reach 50 points due to the difficulty of the schedule.

Jack Hughes: 30 points

My Prediction: OVER

Jack Hughes did not have a rookie year that a first-overall pick was supposed to have. He scored an underwhelming 21 points in 61 games. Like mentioned earlier, Hughes had a lot of obstacles in his way last season. These obstacles included his undersized frame, a struggling Devils team, changes in management and coaching, and putting him in the lineup where he will not succeed. After last season, it seems like Hughes will not turn out to be the center he was ought to be.

However, Hughes took advantage of the prolonged offseason by significantly increasing his frame. He also looked good later on in training camp. It seems that Hughes is ready to take a big leap this season. Hughes will have a breakout year based on his offseason gains and performance in training camp. He is another player that can lead by example based on these gains. He will most likely play first-line minutes while Hischier is out. Based on how he performs, Hughes might even try to take Hischier’s title of the first-line center. The sky is the limit for Hughes this season production wise. Let’s be conservative and predict that he will score 35 points this season.