3 Young New Jersey Devils Who Will Be Even Better in 2023-24
The future is promising for the New Jersey Devils despite their 2022-23 season ending in a heartbreaking overtime loss in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Although the Devils lost the series 4-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes, they have a lot to make them proud. The gutsy team scored eight goals in a Game 3 win. They clawed their way to overtime in Game 5, showing hockey fans what they proved all year long: never count New Jersey out until the very end.
Some people thought the Devils wouldn’t make the playoffs or that they’d be a wild card team at best, insinuating the success they saw early in the season with the 13-game winning streak wouldn’t last. The Devils arrived ahead of schedule, quieting detractors by finishing third overall in the regular season standings and taking down the Rangers in Round 1 of the playoffs.
The Devils’ window has only just opened, and they are poised to make several playoff runs with this group. While there are decisions to be made in the offseason with free agency and trades, several players are set to continue building on the Devils’ progress. Here are three New Jersey Devils to watch out for who have already impressed us early in their careers and will continue growing into stars in the 2023-24 season.
Honorable Mention: Jack Hughes, Center, 22
Jack Hughes isn’t one of the three players on this list because he’s already arrived. He was a first-overall draft pick and had an incredible breakout season, already placing him in the conversation for best in the league. But this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning what he means to the Devils and their fans.
The alternate captain was an All-Star, breaking the franchise record with 99 points. Hughes goes all out, giving his heart and hustle (and a tooth) to the game. He was nominated for the 2023 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and conduct, as well as the 2023 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, due to his impact on the community in the Newark area. And let’s not forget Hughes fighting with Sebastian Aho in Round 2 of the playoffs. Hughes earned a lot of respect by standing up for himself.
Jack Hughes scores the takedown on Sebastian Aho pic.twitter.com/iJgTPlmhPj
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) May 7, 2023
Hughes is beloved in New Jersey. In February, he had a rare public autograph signing hosted by Sports Minded Unlimited in Warren, NJ. Tickets for the event sold out in about 90 seconds because, well, Jack Hughes. He’s already a superstar. Expect Hughes to continue standing out in the NHL.
3. Akira Schmid, Goalie, 23
Goaltender Akira Schmid proved he deserves to be in the NHL full-time next season. Schmid’s 2022-23 season was split between the Utica Comets in the AHL and the Devils. When the Devils needed Schmid, he answered the call.
This save from Akira Schmid is simply glovely. 👏 pic.twitter.com/lOeoHAwzrJ
— NHL (@NHL) December 14, 2022
Schmid saw plenty of NHL action during the regular season when Mackenzie Blackwood missed time due to injuries, playing in 18 games for the Devils. Schmid’s SV% was .922 in the regular season and was about the same in the playoffs at .921. He recorded his first career shutout in February against the Flyers. Schmid’s steady performances earned him a spot on the playoff roster.
Although he was a part of the Devils’ regular season success, Akira Schmid’s origin story came in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Known for being calm and collected, Schmid needed that sense of calm when thrust into just about the most nerve-wracking situation for a rookie. Down 2-0 in a best-of-7 playoff series against the Rangers, with Vitek Vanecek struggling, the Devils turned to Schmid to get them back in the series. He delivered, holding the Rangers to one goal in a 2-1 overtime win. Schmid recorded two shutouts in this series, Game 5 and Game 7.
Round 2 was a different story, with some disappointing performances against the Hurricanes. He was not completely to blame, as the team struggled at every level, but the Devils once again found themselves down 2-0 in a playoff series. Vanecek started between the pipes in Games 3 and 4.
Ultimately, the Devils once again turned to Schmid in a do-or-die elimination game. While Schmid was strong, holding the Canes to two goals in regulation, the Devils fell short in overtime. Schmid showed he was able to bounce back from some rough starts, making 36 saves on 39 shots.
This is only the beginning for the young goalie. He can handle high-pressure situations in must-win games. With time and experience, Schmid will continue developing into a star.
2. Dawson Mercer, Forward, 21
Early in his career, Dawson Mercer has made huge strides towards becoming a star. He’s a quick, smart player who handles the puck well. Mercer started out as a center in his rookie season, but he was eventually shifted to primarily a winger. His first season in 2021-22 was generally productive, showing he was someone to keep an eye on.
Mercer’s second NHL season saw many exciting and special moments. He set a Devils record and an NHL 2022-23 season record with an eight-game goal streak, a franchise record twelve games for the longest point streak for a player under 22, and he now holds the Devils’ record for the most consecutive games played to start an NHL career. Oh yeah, and he had his first career hat trick on April 4th. Phew, what a season.
It’s hard to top all of that, but Mercer has the skills and now the confidence needed to bring his game to another level. He’s capable of becoming a 30-goal scorer, falling just short with 27 goals and 29 assists in his second season. Mercer will be in the final year of his entry-level contract next season. A strong 2023-24 season that builds on 2022-23 would go a long way in contract negotiations.
Mercer made an impact in his first playoff run, although he wasn’t as consistent as the team would’ve liked. There were some games where he was a ghost and others where he showed flashes of brilliance. He had three goals and four assists and finished with a -1 +/-. Mercer earned three of those assists in the Game 3 blowout against Carolina. It was his first go around in the playoffs, and like Schmid, who also struggled with consistency, time and experience will help Mercer reach the next level.
It’s abundantly clear that Mercer loves being a Devil. His letter to Devils fans at the beginning of the playoffs in The Players’ Tribune gave goosebumps. He pumped up the fans with a plea to “feel free to absolutely lose your minds when that puck drops.” Mercer credits Captain Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes with helping their teammates take a step forward in 2022-23. Hopefully, Mercer will be a Devil alongside them for years to come.
1. Luke Hughes, Defenseman, 19
Move over Jack…make room for another Hughes in New Jersey. After Luke Hughes finished his second season at the University of Michigan, he signed an entry-level contract with the Devils. Selected fourth overall by the Devils in 2021, Luke Hughes is expected to greatly impact this team for many years alongside his brother.
Hughes is known as an offensive defenseman, tallying 48 points in 39 games with Michigan this past season. Forget a hat trick — Hughes scored four goals in a Michigan vs. Penn State game. He’s a solid, confident skater who moves the puck well. Playing a full season in the NHL next year will give him a chance to further develop his defense.
Fans saw the Luke Hughes trailer in the 2022-23 season, a preview before his rookie season next year. He played in two regular season games and three Stanley Cup Playoff games in Round 2. Hughes had his first big moment with the Devils in his second NHL game, the final game of the regular season. He scored the game-winning goal in OT against the Capitals with a sick wraparound. The goal secured the Devils’ franchise record-setting 52nd win.
Like Schmid, the young Hughes was called upon when the playoff lineup needed a shake-up. The move was the right call by Lindy Ruff, as the Hughes brothers had themselves a night in Game 3. Luke and Jack combined for six points, even assisting on the same goal. His playoff performance was not perfect, but Luke Hughes oozes potential.
dark. Next. 5 Biggest Questions Heading Into Offseason
Next season, Hughes will be a crucial piece of a strong group of defensemen, which includes players like veteran Dougie Hamilton and the steal of last offseason, John Marino. He’s only 19, so Luke Hughes has plenty of time to shine.
The future is bright for the New Jersey Devils, with young players like Akira Schmid, Dawson Mercer, and Luke Hughes looking for bigger impacts next season. The 2022-23 season was the beginning of something incredibly special. The next era of Devils hockey has arrived.