New Jersey Devils End Of Season Player Grades Part 1
Andreas Johnsson
GP:50 G:5 A:6 PTS:11
Big things were expected of Andreas Johnsson this season as he had proven he could play with talent in Toronto. When healthy, he put up respectable numbers. He was even decent in the physical department. What the Devils got was a fraction of the player who looked lost in all ends of the ice was rather soft and gave so little he brought down anyone on the line with him. He is a prime candidate for the expansion draft and should not be protected while hoping Seattle thinks he will bounce back.
Final season grade: F
Nick Merkley
GP:27 G:2 A:8 PTS:10
Merkley came in looking rather good but it trailed off quickly as did his ice time which was averaging at a too low 11:30. It is hard to do much with low ice time but he will be in a tough battle for a few spots next season and without a big training camp will likely be in the AHL. His physical play is great for a small player and his shot is rather underrated but at 23 years old another step needs to be taken if he wants a full-time role.
Final season grade: C+
Mikhail Maltsev
GP:33 G:6 A:3 PTS:9
Maltsev had a mediocre season much like Merkley and his underlying numbers were not bad but the Devils need more from him and can not afford to have a line that would only be doing anything in a quarter of the games. At times he could be invisible and one could be forgiven if they did not notice him for an entire stretch of games. To push a spot on the roster he will need to use his big 6’3 frame more and show some determination with and without the puck because this team still needs a stronger physical role apart from just one line.
Final season grade: D
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Jesper Boqvist
GP:28 G:4 A:3 PTS:7
After the draft hype, Boqvist has failed to develop and his time to make the NHL is hitting a make-or-break point. With the worst Corsi and Fenwick of forwards who played 10+ games, he has a lot of room to improve and he needs to go hard in the offseason as more and more prospects pass him in the fans and franchises eyes. He still looks worse than average at all things and while nothing in his game looks awful he doesn’t have what it takes currently to play in the NHL.
Final season grade: D-