New Jersey Devils 2022-23 Regular Season Player Predictions
The New Jersey Devils season is about to kick off and the starting roster has been announced. There were some small surprises on it, so let’s go ahead and make some predictions for the players that did make it this season.
Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
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Jack Hughes
Goals: 30 Assists: 60 Points: 90
The Devils best player will show the rest of the league what he can do. He took that big step last season to become the player he was with the USNDTP. This was all done coming off a horrible shoulder injury as well. It should be a safe assumption to say he is feeling even better now. His desire to win will be evident every game and he will look like a superstar now, not just a potential one in the future he could even challenge the Devils’ points record and the 100-point mark.
Jesper Bratt
G: 25 A: 50 PTS: 75
The other Devils play driver had a breakout season with 73 points last season. Jesper Bratt is on a contract year. He has a lot to play for and it will show this season as he proves it was not a fluke and that he is a key and core piece for the franchise.
Nico Hischier
G: 20 A: 40 PTS: 60
Captain Nico HIschier is hurt to start the season and unfortunately, he has been banged up for a while now missing significant time two years ago and 12 games last season. He is still a great player and the Devils should have high expectations when he is in the lineup. His two-way game is top tier and if this team is going to push for the playoffs they need the top players all healthy.
Alexander Holtz
G: 10 A: 15 PTS: 25
Alex Holtz had an alright but not spectacular preseason, but it was enough to be on the roster as of the start of the season. He will get his shot to stay in the NHL this season. After this preseason and last year’s nine-game stint, it will be a bit of a learning curve despite his offensive talent. He is definitely close to NHL-ready. This year, expect him to start and finish the year in the NHL. However, a mediocre start would see him get sent to the AHL. If he does play like the sniper from the AHL though he could be a guy who nets 20 goals. This is a big wildcard.
Yegor Sharangovich
G: 30 A: 20 PTS: 50
Yegor struggled at the start of the season without Jack Hughes, but when the two were back together he was on a tear finishing last season with 24 goals. He might have the best shot on the roster and with the playmaking superstar setting him up all season he should find the back of the net a ton.
Ondrej Palat
G: 18 A: 30 PTS: 48
The Devils’ big free agent signing was Ondrej Palat. He left the Tampa Bay Lightning to sign with an up-and-coming team for $6 million per season. It will be interesting to see what he does in such a different situation. Coming off a pair of Stanley Cups and 3 Cup Final appearances, he will bring a lot of experience to this young roster. Now he will be in a higher role versus the one he played in Tampa which had him below a bunch of superstars like Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Brayden Point. He should be up for the challenge. While his points total won’t jump off the board, his on-ice play should be what the team needs.
Dawson Mercer
G: 22 A: 27 PTS: 49
After his breakout rookie season, the Devils will be needing Dawson Mercer to avoid the sophomore slump that has plagued this team’s youth far too often, especially if he is filling in for Hischier. He has all the tools to be successful whether it is as a second-line center or a third-line winger though and his versatility will not only keep him in the lineup but allow him to find the position that works best for him.