New Jersey Devils Midseason Report Card
Jesper Bratt
Goals: 15 Assists: 25 Points: 40
Jesper Bratt could very easily be looking at a point-per-game season thanks to his hot start, but he has been a lot colder as of late and spent a good portion of the losing streak showing very little offense. He has always been a talented 200-foot player, but the team can’t have him take a week off. He needs to drive the play every game and be an offensive leader at all times if he wants to get a big contract and we know he does want just that.
Overall Rating: A
Tomas Tatar
Goals: 9 Assists: 16 Points: 25
Tomas Tatar has kept up his play from the first quarter and is really looking like the player they thought they signed last season. If he can finish as a positive player in the top 6 while putting up 20 goals and 50 points there is not a lot more than one can ask for from him.
Overall Rating: B+
Dawson Mercer
Goals: 10 Assists: 15 Points: 25
While his numbers are very similar to Tatar’s and it is only his second year, Dawson Mercer left fans wanting more. As far as sophomore seasons go, he has been good. The raw talent is there. His heart is absolutely there. If Mercer just stays on the same trajectory, he will be a dominant player in a year or two and be looking at 70 points in no time. For now, expect him to get in the 40-50 point range.
Overall Rating: B+
Eric Haula
Goals: 2 Assists: 17 Points:19
Erik Haula is a bit of a player to look at this year, and with his pace should be able to hit 40 points without a problem. He would be a great bottom-six player, shows a lot of heart, and never takes a shift off. However, watching him next to Hughes missing open nets on a game-by-game basis is painful. He is playing way above where he should be, but that isn’t something that we shouldn’t blame Haula for. Players don’t generally pick how much they play or where in the lineup. Hopefully, he gets moved down but he is still a valuable player and might fit really well even next season.