5 New Jersey Devils Players Who Will Set Career Highs In Points

Nathan Bastian
Previous career high: 18

Nathan Bastian isn’t known as a scorer, but he did pot 12 goals last season. He wasn’t much in the assist category, which is why he ended the season with just 18 points. This season, Bastian is going to be on a team that scores more. That will lead to more points. He’s going to be on the fourth line, so he’s likely to get just 10-12 minutes per game. He’s still going to get to 20 points, putting him at a career high.

Bastian had an interesting year last season. At one point, he was on the first line of the power play, and it somehow made complete sense. That’s not going to be necessary this season (please for the love of everything don’t let it be necessary). That should take away opportunities this season, but he should get other opportunities by sheer necessity. He won’t have as many hard matchups with more defensive prowess up and down the lineup. That will allow him to get a few more offensive zone opportunities.

Of course, Bastian has to stay in the lineup for this to be possible. The Devils have an insane amount of competition this season. Fabian Zetterlund and Jesper Boqvist have to fight for roster spots despite strong finishes to last season. Bastian needs to hit a career. If he doesn’t, someone will come and take his roster spot.