Likelihood Current New Jersey Devils Players Make Final Roster

75%: Alexander Holtz

The Devils have given Alexander Holtz premium real estate in this lineup from day one. He was immediately placed on a line with Jack Hughes and Ondrej Palat. They looked phenomenal together at first. The offense as a whole slowed down, and Holtz was actually on a different line the last game, but it seems pretty clear the Devils want to start the season with Holtz in the lineup.

There are two scenarios where the other 25% could come up. The Devils might send Holtz down very temporarily since he is waivers exempt. That would allow them to keep the likes of Boqvist and Zetterlund. However, that would only delay the inevitable. It’s much more likely the Devils start the season with the former seventh-overall pick in the NHL.

80%: Nathan Bastian

We won’t waste a lot of time here. Nathan Bastian is a really good player for what he is. He brings size, toughness, hitting, and scoring to the lineup. He had 12 goals last season after he was claimed back on waivers. There’s a very little chance he doesn’t make this roster.

85%: Tomas Tatar

If we did this exercise two weeks ago, things would be totally different. Tomas Tatar was in the same boat as Andreas Johnsson when it comes to fighting for their place on this roster. Now, Tatar might have earned himself a spot in the top six. Tatar has three goals in three games. He had the only goal in the game against the Bruins. He’s gotten into open ice and he shows he still has a finishing ability.

Tatar is pretty close to a lock on this roster. Since locks are only 100%, we can say that something wild could happen here. It would be more likely that “something” would be a trade, but the NHL is wild. Things can happen.