New Jersey Devils: 3 Players On Chopping Block With Jesper Bratt’s Return

The New Jersey Devils say hello to a returning Jesper Bratt and have to say goodbye to one of the team’s young players.

New Jersey Devils fans got good news on Wednesday when the team announced winger Jesper Bratt would be returning to the lineup sooner rather than later. Bratt is going to be at the morning skate on Thursday, and he should be in the lineup any day now. It’s great news for the Devils, as the forward group could really use an injection of talent.

However, it’s bad news for some of the young players on the roster. Bratt is clearly better than most of the Devils’ forwards. He has struggled at times, but he still ranks in the top five in scoring on the Devils in two of the last three seasons. He was on an absolute tear towards the end of the season, scoring 16 points in the final 20 games.

Bratt’s return will provide more life to a Devils’ offense that, despite putting up seven points in six games, hasn’t been great. Jack Hughes has done a lot to drive offense all by himself. Ty Smith has added six points from the blue line, and Miles Wood leads the team with three goals. There’s little bits of offense coming from all over the team, with only Ryan Murray and Jesper Boqvist (who’s been missing the last  two games) with zero points on the score sheet this season.

Still, the Devils have to make a decision on the lineup. There are plenty of young players on the chopping block. Head coach Lindy Ruff has to make a decision quickly. Bratt could be in the lineup as soon as Thursday night.