New Jersey Devils: This Year Will Be Jesper Bratt’s Actual Breakout Season
The New Jersey Devils have been building steady momentum this past week. Despite the most recent loss to the Washington Capitals, the Devils’ game plan has been somewhat respectable; execution is just lacking. Most people expected the Devils to show decent improvement this season. One player facing a ton of expectations is Jesper Bratt.
Last season, Bratt was able to put together a tremendous season. In 76 appearances, he racked up 73 points (26 goals and 47 assists), which led the entire Devils roster. Even though he only has one goal, Bratt is picking up right where he left off. So far, in six games, Bratt has registered nine points (one goal and eight assists). He is currently tied for the most assists in the NHL alongside Leon Draisaitl, Artemi Panarin, and Nikita Kucherov.
Bratt’s trend is certainly heading in the right direction. Many have been saying that last year was his breakout season. Despite the excitement surrounding Bratt’s gameplay, he has only begun to scratch the surface.
This year is going to be his true breakout season. If he maintains this pace throughout the season, people outside the Metropolitan Division will talk more about him.
This is similar to what happened with Jack Hughes last season. Hughes went from being a potential first-overall draft bust to becoming a bonafide future superstar. Bratt is still one of the more underrated players in the league.
As proven last year when he wasn’t selected for the All-Star team. Even though it’s very early in the season, if Bratt maintains his great point production, then he’ll make the All-Star Team with ease. Once he does so, then that will be his breakout moment. Thus, resulting in his actual breakout season.
Next. Can Devils Keep Up This Pace?. dark
Making the All-Star Team will help Bratt get respect around the league. It also puts him on a pedestal as a potential star player. Similar to his teammates Hughes and Nico Hischier, who have already been All-Stars. That is the bar for Bratt this season. That, and hopefully, re-signing once he’s eligible.