New Jersey Devils: 4 Internal Options For Third Line Center

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 16: Egor Sharangovich #17 of the New Jersey Devils is congratulated by teammates Dmitry Kulikov #70, Jack Hughes #86 and Jesper Boqvist #90 after he scored the game winning goal in overtime against the Boston Bruins at Prudential Center on January 16, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the game is played without fans. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1. This was the first career NHL goal for Egor Sharangovich of the Devils. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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New Jersey Devils center Janne Kuokkanen (59): (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports) /

Janne Kuokkanen

The Sharangovich-Hughes-Kuokkanen line was the Devils top line for most of last season. Their chemistry was intense, and they brought the best out of each other. They complimented each other, and Jack Hughes had his best season because of them. The growth from Hughes had a lot to do with his linemates. However, the Devils added Tomas Tatar in the offseason, and he’s likely going to take a spot on the top line at first. It makes the most sense to keep Sharangovich there, especially with how his offseason is going. It looks like Kuokkanen is going to be the odd man out.

Kuokkanen is still very much an NHL player, and he will find a spot on this team. After spending the season as Hughes’ wing, maybe it makes sense for Kuokkanen to try playing center.

The 23 year old has played center in the past, but he hasn’t played it at all in the NHL. In his 62 career NHL games, he’s taken nine total faceoffs. He’s also lost eight of them. The sample size is criminally small, but it’s still worth mentioning just because of his lack of experience in the faceoff circle.

This one might be a long shot since the Devils also have needs at wing. Moving Kuokkanen from wing to center doesn’t really fill a need as much as it moves needs around. Still, he is an option that Ruff should at least consider.

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