The New Jersey Devils have had some of the best rookie seasons in the NHL.
Right now, the New Jersey Devils are being driven largely by rookies. Yegor Sharangovich has burst on the scene after a big start to his rookie campaign. He’s earned his way onto the top line with Jack Hughes and Kyle Palmieri. He’s been really good over the first two games, and that hit a fever pitch on Saturday. He took the puck with mere seconds remaining in overtime against the Boston Bruins, and he scored to give the Devils their first win in 10 months.
Ty Smith, Janne Kuokkanen, and Nathan Bastian are all expected to play big roles in their rookie seasons this year. Rookies are going to be a part of this team’s future for a while with Alexander Holtz, Dawson Mercer, Reilly Walsh, Nolan Foote, Shakir Mukhamadullin, Tyce Thompson, and Kevin Bahl still in the pipeline. Rookies are going to be important now and for a long time on this roster.
The Devils have had some great rookies in the past. A Devils has made won the Calder Trophy twice. Devils players have also made the All-Rookie team 11 times. Some of the Devils’ best rookies didn’t even make the team, like Nico Hischier and Travis Zajac.
There have been some rookies that made a huge impact, but only a select few can be considered the best. If Sharangovich keeps this up throughout the year, maybe he can break this list. However, for now, these are the five best rookie seasons in New Jersey Devils history.