Predicting New Jersey Devils Top Six Forwards
The New Jersey Devils have one of, if not the best forward group in the league. After trading for Tyler Toffoli, re-signing restricted free agents Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt, and re-signing unrestricted free agent Erik Haula, Tom Fitzgerald and Lindy Ruff have options for days. Who should start the season together in the top six?
Line 1: Bratt – Hischier – Toffoli
The Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier duo has always clicked. The two are now the longest-tenured Devils on the roster (debuting during the 2017-18 season) since Miles Wood and Damon Severson departed during the offseason.
Tyler Toffoli earning a spot on the Devils’ top line immediately following training camp going into Game 1 wouldn’t raise many eyebrows. His shot-first mentality could mesh perfectly with Bratt and Hischier, who both have a pass-first, unselfish style of play. Hischier and Bratt both play an exceptional 200-ft game that allows them to flow seamlessly in transition and set up quality scoring chances almost every shift. With Calgary last season, Toffoli was able to pot 34 goals. Dillon Dube and Elias Lindholm were his linemates; they combined for 84 points at even strength. Bratt and Hischier totaled 112.
“He’s a right shot, he’s a top-six player, he’s proven that he’s a pure goal scorer,” General Manager Tom Fitzgerald said of Tyler Toffoli to MSG Networks during his press conference. “To win hockey games, you gotta score goals, so we’re thankful we got that.”
It’s hard to imagine that this line doesn’t at least get a look at some point this season, but it’s more than fair to assume we may see the trio in action as soon as opening night at the Rock.
Line 2: Meier – Hughes – Mercer
The ‘second’ line in Lindy Ruff’s lineup can be considered another top line. In fact, Jack Hughes played essentially the entire season as the 2C behind Nico Hischier, but the time on ice tells a different story. Hughes actually averaged over two more minutes of even-strength ice time per game than Hischier (15:24 vs. 13:10 avg 5v5 TOI according to Natural Stat Trick).
This line features two 40-goal scorers in Jack Hughes and Timo Meier, with Dawson Mercer as an excellent seasoning considering his heavy forecheck and all-around offensive upside. 27 goals for the 21-year-old is nothing to be embarrassed about, either. A near-perfect combination of grittiness, speed, and skill is what this line brings every shift, and they’ll do it better than almost any line in the National Hockey League.
Needless to say, the Devils’ top six looks absolutely lethal on paper — five of the six forwards surpassing the 30-goal plateau last season, and a combined 447 points in 483 games between the group. The Devils are ready to employ an arsenal of elite talent when the puck drops on October 12.
dark. Next. Are Devils Stanley Cup Contenders?
Are they the best top-six in the NHL? That’s for another time to talk about in detail. For now, enjoy how great of a position the Devils are in.