Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils Quarter Season Player Grades

By David Holliday

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 06: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils takes the puck in the second period against the New York Rangers at Prudential Center on March 06, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey.A limited number of fans are in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 06: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils takes the puck in the second period against the New York Rangers at Prudential Center on March 06, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey.A limited number of fans are in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Jack Hughes

Player Grade: A

Gp-5 G-3 A-1 Pts-4

Jack Hughes hasn’t been in many games this season, but he has been rather impressive especially at the start. He scored the biggest goal of the season with an overtime winner against the Chicago Blackhawks and was an absolute machine before separating his shoulder. Since coming back, Hughes looked good though not great. the whole team has played terribly and that is not on Jack. Hopefully, the coaching staff can figure out soon that his chemistry with Sharangovich and Kuokkanen was a big deal and put them back together ASAP.

Jimmy Vesey

Player Grade: B+

Gp-22 G-4 A-2 Pts-6

Jimmy Vesey came in as a PTO and has really worked his way onto this team in a big way. He has had a big role in the depth department and is currently second in hits which is something the team desperately needed.

Micheal McLeod

Player Grade: C+

Gp-22 G-0 A-4 Pts-4

Michael McLeod has struggled on the score sheet to start the season. It appears he needed Nathan Bastian and/or Miles Wood to produce at this level. The Devils did however get his best friend and long-time teammate Bastian back and Wood will eventually return. He currently is sitting in the team lead on hits by a wide margin and is winning faceoffs at a 60% clip. He needs to get some more points but that will come when his lines are reunited and he is excelling at other parts of the game which this team needs. He has especially been on the penalty kill.

Nathan Bastian

Player Grade: B

Gp-5 G-1 A-0 Pts-1

Since returning due to a waiver claim from the Seattle Kraken, Nathan Bastian has been what he was last year. His ice time has been limited. He has put a spring back into Mcleods step though and is bringing a lot of hits to the table. This is exactly what he is here for and is a very effective fourth-line player.

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