Pucks and Pitchforks
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Predicting New Jersey Devils Top Six Forwards

By Ethan Fink

Jack Hughes #86, Jesper Bratt #63 and Nico Hischier #13 of the New Jersey Devils celebrate Bratt's first-period power-play goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during their game at T-Mobile Arena on March 03, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Devils 4-3 in a shootout. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Jack Hughes #86, Jesper Bratt #63 and Nico Hischier #13 of the New Jersey Devils celebrate Bratt's first-period power-play goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during their game at T-Mobile Arena on March 03, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Devils 4-3 in a shootout. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Jack Hughes is congratulated by teammates Timo Meier and Dougie Hamilton. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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.

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