Predicting Points For Every New Jersey Devils Player (Except Dawson Mercer)
Pavel Zacha
GP:82 G:15 A:17 PTS: 32
Last year’s leading scorer with 17 goals and 35 points was Pavel Zacha who found himself on the top line as a winger. It was quite the year for him and some were ready to call it his breakout, but the underlying numbers showed it as a good amount of luck unfortunately for the Devils. His 16.5% shooting percentage will regress to his 10% career average. If his defensive game is not up to par, his minutes will be going down even more. While this is one that I very much hope to be wrong on, Zacha looks to be in for a disappointing season.
Miles Wood
GP:82 G:20 A:11 PTS: 31
The Devils’ most polarizing figure really did a lot right last year after an interesting start and showed a lot of leadership. Miles Wood’s growth was clear for all to see and while he might never be a huge point man if he can play physically and not take stupid penalties, he is an invaluable part of the team. This year, Wood will have his first 20 goal season.
Janne Kuokkanen
GP:82 G:14 A:22 PTS: 36
Janne Kuokkanen was a big hit last year producing some fantastic numbers. He put up half a point a game next to Hughes and Sharangovich. His role on that line was also one of puck retrieval and grit, so even without the points, he brought something to the game night in and night out. This season, he could reprise his role with them or be moved down into the bottom six for a good chunk of it which would impact his offensive numbers in a large way making this one hard to even guess at. No matter what he produces, however, much like Wood, what he brings will be more than just the points on the scoresheet and he will be continuing to grow as a player.
Andreas Johnsson
GP:65 G:7 A:8 PTS: 15
One of the bigger pick-ups on paper for this team before last season, Andreas Johnsson was a disappointment right out of the gate. In 50 games, he managed 5 goals and 11 points and never got involved physically in the game. He has two years left on his deal and quite frankly if he doesn’t step it up in the first ten games this season should be waived and sent to the minors. Knowing how teams operate, he will most likely hover around the team playing most games but being benched some and disappoint yet again not showing any fire or desire on the ice.
Michael McLeod
GP:78 G:10 A:18 PTS: 28
After looking like a bust, Michael McLeod turned it around big time and has a lot to prove this year. The former 1st-round pick might never be a star or top-six player, but he can very easily carve out a bottom-six role for himself for years to come. One of the challenges this year he will face is the loss of Nathan Bastian, who really got McLeod going so he will need to find that chemistry next to someone else quickly because if he regresses the team could replace him when the year is done. He does however have all the skills needed and if he plays hard will have another solid season.