Defense:
Defensively, the Devils have been getting a modest amount of offensive production. Still, Hamilton and newly-acquired John Marino need to have bounce-back years. Perhaps an additional year of Lindy’s system could help trigger Hamilton. While second-overall pick Simon Nemec could help with this issue, it’s unlikely that he makes the roster right out of the gate. Honestly, he shouldn’t. When you see the rest of the defensemen, you’ll know why.
Dougie Hamilton: 15G, 37 A – 52 points
Jonas Sigenthaler: 3G, 14A – 17 points
John Marino: 5G, 27A – 27 points
Damon Severson: 11G, 31A – 42 points
Ryan Graves: 6G, 19A – 25 points
Brendan Smith: 2G, 13A – 15 points
The Devils should and need to be a much better team in 2022-23
As you can see, I predict a scoring increase for a majority of the Devils’ players. With a healthy Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, we should see a bonafide 1D & 1C combo for the first time in a decade. Other guys should take a step in development as well.
Hischier, Boqvist, and Mercer should all build off of what they achieved last year. I also think the coaching changes could have a big effect. Both Andrew Brunette and Ryan McGill have shown the ability to improve players, such as Shea Theodore and Mason Marchment. They will hopefully bring that development to Newark. This year also marks the last year of Lindy Ruff’s contract, so if he wants another head coaching gig, he needs to show results on the ice. In the same vein, GM Tom Fitzgerald should slowly be feeling the hot seat if the season goes as poorly as it did last year. For his and my sake, I hope the Devils do play meaningful games in March.