5. Miles Wood
That final spot was hard to really pin down. Of course, Murray could be here since he’s being paired with Subban. Damon Severson has looked like the Devils’ best defenseman, so he’s also an important cog on this team’s defense. Zajac has to get the third line going. However, it’s clear that Miles Wood is one of the most important pieces on this team.
What a strange season this has been. Wood is leading the Devils in goals and points. He has learned from some of his most frustrating mistakes of the past. After getting two minor penalties on opening night, he only has one in the eight games since then. He stopped shooting the puck at the goalie (as much) the second he joins the zone. Wood’s best asset so far was his ability to actually make a good move on the breakaway, something that went terribly last season.
Wood doesn’t need to lead the Devils in goals this season, but if he’s able to put up the first 20-goal season of his career while playing with Michael McLeod, then he can help build confidence for a Devils asset that many gave up on.
Wood is trying to prove his worth before this offseason’s expansion draft. Many thought he’d be the player the Seattle Kraken would take a chance on. Now, Wood looks like he might be untouchable. Either way, Wood is also one of the few forwards who didn’t find himself on the COVID-19 protocol list. He’ll have his legs under him while the rest of the team is still working its way back. He can drive play for the time being before falling back into his role.