New Jersey Devils Quarter Season Grades: A Lot More A’s Than Years Past
Ondrej Palat
Gp:6 G:3 A:0 Pts:3
I took some criticism early for saying the team overpaid a veteran with a lot of miles on him for too long, but I always liked the way Ondrej Palat played. The first games were rough for him, but he settled in for a bit, scoring a few goals before getting injured. It is too small a sample size to say much though, so for now, let’s hope he can get back to 100%.
Rating: B
Yegor Sharangovich
Gp:21 G:6 A:6 Pts:12
The sniper named Yegor Sharangovich has found himself off the Hughes line for much of the season. While it would be nice to see them paired again, the team has found such success it might not happen for a while. He’s proven without a doubt that he is not just a one-dimensional scorer and that he doesn’t just play well next to a superstar. He is a legitimate top penalty killer and a solid defensive forward which makes him a guy that should be here long-term and someone who will be massive come playoff time.
Rating: A
Dawson Mercer
Gp:21 G:5 A:6 Pts:11
Dawson Mercer has been alright this season in mostly a depth role, but the team could use a little more from him. The point totals are there and he is on pace for 41 points, which would be one less than last season, but he hasn’t been noticeable some nights and he has yet to take over a game as he did early on last season. He has not been bad by any stretch, but there is more that he can give.
Rating: B
Jesper Boqvist
Gp:15 G:3 A:1 Pts:4
After his solid finish to last season, Jesper Boqvist is finally taking that step to looking like an NHL regular. Unfortunately, Boqvist has failed to impress this year. He has decent enough minutes with solid players and only has four points to show for it. He needs to step it up and put up some stellar defensive play or get some points before players pass over him on the roster and his spot is taken.
Rating: C-
Miles Wood
Gp:21 G:6 A:4 Pts:10
He’s back, he’s healthy, and he came to play. Miles Wood let us know right away that he was sick of losing, and we loved to hear that. His game is fast, tough, and built for the playoffs, something he might finally get a shot at.
Rating: A
Nathan Bastian
Gp:20 G:3 A:5 Pts:8
Big Nathan Bastian has been a force this season with physical play, but his expanded role has made him such an important piece. He has found himself on the top powerplay to screen the goalie and win corner battles on top of killing penalties. What more can be asked from a guy who plays on a fourth line?
Rating: A+
Micheal McLeod
Gp:21 G:2 A:7 Pts:9
Once again, Michael McLeod is playing his role. On top of that, he is putting up some points that you wouldn’t expect. While he won’t finish with 40 points, if the line can keep up the pressure, finish hits, and be defensively sound, they are invaluable. His defense is as good as ever, and once again, he is sitting at 57% in the faceoff circle and can be trusted in big moments.