New Jersey Devils: Explaining A Controversial Line Proposal
By Nick Villano
The New Jersey Devils have struggled to find the right combination of lines since the Timo Meier trade. Let’s think outside the box to find something that might work.
It’s clear the New Jersey Devils have one of the most talented rosters in the league. Even last season, when the Devils were one of the worst teams in the league, they were still incredibly talented. Things will only improve as they add players like Alexander Holtz, Simon Nemec, and Luke Hughes to the lineup.
Right now, the forward core seems like it’s missing something. It doesn’t feel like it needs to add anything. The Devils traded for Timo Meier and Curtis Lazar before the NHL Trade Deadline. It just needs a huge dose of chemistry.
It’s hard to tell in the Lindy Ruff system whether a line needs time to develop or if it won’t work. Unfortunately, the Devils are running out of time to find the right chemistry. With 14 games left until the playoffs, the Devils need everyone to gel as soon as possible. However, there is time for one last major change. We proposed a lineup on Friday that might work.
Line 1: Erik Haula-Jack Hughes-Timo Meier
Yup, we’re proposing to bring back Erik Haula and Jack Hughes as linemates. In January, we desperately wanted this pairing torn apart. Haula couldn’t hit the broad side of the barn, and Hughes was constantly getting him chances. Hughes eventually took the puck and turned himself into a scorer.
Now, the Devils have Timo Meier. The superstar winger has been up and down, but he had his best games against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. He scored two goals, pushing the Devils to overtime on his own. That point has become important as the Carolina Hurricanes struggle to hold onto their Metropolitan Division lead.
With Haula, Hughes controlled play much more often. Their line had a 59% CorsiFor percentage. When Hughes plays without Haula, it drops to 54.6%. The comparison for high-danger percentages is 63.9% against 57.2%. It’s not just defense, either. With or without Haula, Hughes is on the ice for about one high danger chance every four minutes of ice time. Add Meier to that, and the numbers get even better. (All stats come from Natural Stat Trick.)