New Jersey Devils: Jesper Bratt’s Leadership Role Is Great News

There was a lot to learn on New Jersey Devils media day. Nico Hischier is fully healthy. Jonathan Bernier is hoping the Devils can be competitive again. Dougie Hamilton is excited to be here despite the fact he hasn’t met a lot of people yet. Tom Fitzgerald spoke about everything from vaccination status to roster construction.

One of the clearest messages that were sent came from Jesper Bratt. The Swedish winger had a rough season in 2021. He had a contract negotiation that went well into training camp. Then, an issue with immigration made it impossible to start the season on time. He finally got on the ice on January 28th. Four days later, the Devils season was put on hold due to a COVID outbreak.

This season, Bratt is facing the most important season of his career. It’s the second year of his two-year contract. He is on a team that is finally looking to compete in the Metropolitan Division. He’s playing for a new contract and to solidify his spot in the lineup. With new acquisitions like Tomas Tatar and young players like Dawson Mercer and Nolan Foote signed to contracts, Bratt’s spot in the top six is hardly guaranteed.

So, it’s great to hear how he’s looking at the situation. One, Bratt says he spent a lot of time working on his shot. He could not finish last season, and if he could find a way to put his chances in the net as he did in 2019-20, it will change his outlook entirely.

Spending three extra sessions per week with a shooting coach on top of normal practices shows he didn’t spend his offseason resting on his laurels. He knows what last season looks like, and he is out to change the perception around his game. If he wants to stick on a line with Hischier, another player who is looking to make the jump, then he needs to score.

The other great comment he made was in reference to so many Swedish players joining the team, especially young ones.

Jesper Bratt is still only 23 years old, but with a 22-year-old captain on the roster, the Devils will take leadership from wherever they can get it. Bratt knows his role has to change this season. He’s been along for the ride for the first four years of his career.

With younger European players on the roster like Alexander Holtz, Jesper Boqvist (although they are the same age), and Janne Kuokkanen, Bratt can take on a leadership role. There is a chance for him to show Holtz especially exactly what he needs to do to be a great NHL player.

That’s what happens when a 6th-round pick makes the NHL roster. Anything production-wise he provides seems like a bonus. Now that he’s a part of this roster moving forward, Bratt has to step up to the table and become the scorer he’s shown he can be in the past.