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

Will Butcher: N/A

My Prediction: 27 Points 

Will Butcher is a player that has not been living up to peoples’ expectations. While his numbers were not bad compared to his two seasons, it is still a noticeable drop. Butcher has been struggling a lot in the defensive zone. Will is looking to bounce back and become an offensive threat on the blueline. So far, Will looked pretty good at training camp. It seems that Ruff’s system is benefiting Will so far. Because of this, I can see Butcher increase his production in comparison to last year by scoring 27 points in 56 games. He also needs to improve on the defensive aspect of the game if he wants to keep having a big role with the Devils.

Connor Carrick: 18 Points

My Prediction: UNDER

Connor Carrick is a bottom two defender that has average defensive skills and underwhelming offensive ability. Last season, Carrick had six points in 29 games. He has shown a lot of consistency of underwhelming numbers. Connor Carrick this season is going to battle for the bottom two spots on defense this throughout season. He might not play a lot of games this season because other players will come in that more talented than him, including Sami Vatanen. Because of this, I predict that Connor Carrick will score much lower than 18 points by scoring five points.

Dmitry Kulikov: N/A

My Prediction: UNDER

Dmitri Kulikov was acquired through free agency during the long offseason. Kulikov is more of a defense-defenseman than an offensive one. Throughout his NHL career, he only had three seasons more than 20 points. This season, I think it would be a similar situation. I think that he will produce 12 points in 56 games. Despite the lack of offense, expect him to be doing well in the defensive zone blocking the shooting lane.

Matt Tennyson: 10 Points

My Prediction: UNDER

Matt Tennyson is another defenseman that is not known for his offensive prowess. The 30 year old is entering his second season with the Devils organization and he wants to show that he can be an NHL regular. Last year, Tennyson had an impressive training camp which rewarded him with some playing time with the Devils. His performance with the Devils did not hold up his performance in the preseason. This might be Tennyson’s last chance of proving himself because of the rising defensive prospects in the Devils’ system. This season I think Matt Tennyson will score 5 points this season. He needs to step up his game if he wants to stay within the organization.

My Prediction: 23 Points

Sami Vatanen is back for another season with the Devils after being traded to the Carolina Hurricane last season for Janne Kuokkanen. It was bittersweet to see Sami leave because he was an important defenseman for the Devils. Getting Sami back adds a punch to the Devils’ defense. He has been consistent with production as an offensive defenseman. Before he got traded to the Devils, Sami had 23 points in 47 games. This season, the Devils will most likely expect him to continue to produce and to help solidify the blueline. The big question for Sami is whether or not he will stay healthy. Sami is injury prone and it creates a big hole in the Devils’ defense.

Sami is not going to play on opening night due to issues similar to what Jesper Bratt is experiencing. Therefore, I think that Sami can produce 23 points this season based on the fact that he will be playing less than 56 games.