New Jersey Devils: Assessing All-Star Bids For Remaining Players

Jack Hughes is obviously the New Jersey Devils pick for the All-Star Game, but there are others who might be deserving. We take a look at the others on the list and see how likely they are to make the team.

It was great to see Jack Hughes make the All-Star team. He’s become one of the best players in the NHL this season, and it makes sense that he’s representing the New Jersey Devils. Legitimately, Hughes has been on another level. He’s sixth in the league in goals and eighth in total points. Hughes saw the Devils needed a finisher, and their best player became that finisher. That’s why he’s an All Star.

However, Hughes isn’t the only great player on the roster. The Devils have four players over 30 points. At this point last season, one player had more than 30 points, none had 40 points like Hughes, and nobody else had even 25 points at the 40-game mark.

It’s a much better team this season. We know that because it’s January, and the season isn’t basically over. With the Devils’ current place in the standings comes consideration for more All-Stars. The Devils haven’t had more than one All-Star since 2007, when Martin Brodeur and Brian Rafalski made the team (not including injury replacements). Hopefully, this is the year that changes. Let’s take a look at the nominees.

Jesper Bratt

Jesper Bratt is having a weird season. He was considered one of the best wingers in the league through November. He finished with 11 points in November and 15 points in October. It helped the Devils get off to a ridiculous start to the season.

Then, things took a turn. Bratt only had eight points in December, and because of the multi-point games, he was held pointless in seven games. There were games where he disappeared. However, it’s hard to argue against the total package.

Bratt is tied for 33rd in points across the league. When looking at advanced stats, he’s even better. Bratt is seventh in CF% amongst all players with at least 10 games played. Five of the top six play for the Carolina Hurricanes. He’s seventh in high-danger chance percentage. Bratt is playing a phenomenal two-way game, even if it isn’t turning into counting stats.

Thanks to his advanced stats, Bratt has a huge stake in the All-Star claim. He would also be incredibly fun to see in a three-on-three format. With only two more skaters and a goalie coming in the vote, Bratt has an uphill climb to make the roster.