3 Takeaways from New Jersey Devils Preseason Hockey
With the regular season just around the corner, New Jersey Devils preseason hockey has been filled with buzz. Preseason is a time for teams to shift into gear and get the puck moving on their goals for the new season, and the Devils have surely done that, going undefeated in six games.
This season, the Devils seek to back up the hype surrounding the team to prove they’re worthy of being called a Stanley Cup contender. It’s a tall order, but the Devils are up for the task.
This preseason, Devils fans got a glimpse of a strong 2023-24 squad and some prospects who are still developing. So, what have we learned about the team and what to expect this season?
Preseason Takeaways #1: Toffoli-Hughes-Bratt have wicked chemistry
The new addition to the Devils, Tyler Toffoli, is already gelling with the top forwards, especially Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Hughes said it best to NJ.com’s Ryan Novozinsky. “Obviously, me and Bratter have really good chem, and I’ve been playing with him for a while so that’s been good,” Hughes said. “And Toffoli’s fit right in.”
The immediate chemistry of this line has been noticeable. The trio is skating well together and finding each other in the right places on the ice. In a preseason game against the New York Islanders on Monday, Bratt scored a hat trick, and the Toffoli-Hughes-Bratt line combined for eight points. Through six preseason games, Toffoli, Hughes, and Bratt have a combined 21 points, with Bratt leading all players in the NHL as of this writing with nine points.
The Devils expect their top lines to produce a ton of offense this season, especially this one. All three of these players scored 30+ goals last year. Hughes scored 43. Bratt is having a phenomenal preseason, scoring five goals. If this line can carry their chemistry into the regular season, they’re going to start off with a bang. The Devils’ offense is scary.
Preseason Takeaways: 2. Kevin Bahl has grown and is ready for a bigger role
Defenseman Kevin Bahl can make a significant impact on the Devils, and his preseason form has shown he’s taken remarkable strides in that direction. With the departures of Ryan Graves and Damon Severson, the Devils will be relying on less-established defensemen. Bahl has a bright future, and now he has the opportunity for a big year.
So far, Bahl has looked aggressive and confident. He appears ready to become a crucial piece of the Devils’ penalty kill. He’s moving the puck faster, making the right decisions, using his size, and getting more involved with the offense.
There’s been a lot of talk about whether John Marino will be paired with Kevin Bahl or Luke Hughes to start the season Right now, it looks like Bahl will start with Marino. He’s earned a spot on the second line.
Ultimately, wherever he plays, Bahl is going to contribute. His growth is exactly what the Devils need for their blueline, especially since it seems there will be somewhat of a hole on the right side of the bottom pairing. Colin Miller hasn’t impressed during the preseason, so it looks like Brendan Smith will pair with Luke Hughes on his offhand side.
Preseason Takeaways: 3. Alexander Holtz is making the most of his opportunity. Nolan Foote and Graeme Clarke, not so much
One of the big questions Devils fans have had the past few seasons is: will 2020 seventh-overall draft pick Alexander Holtz blossom into the versatile winger he’s projected to become? Following a disappointing lack of growth last year, Holtz seems more prepared than ever before to answer that question. He’s been noticeably faster and smoother during the preseason, turning heads with his increased confidence.
Holtz has seen top-six minutes during preseason action. He’s receiving mentorship from his current linemates Nico Hischier and Timo Meier. It’s important that he’s able to keep up with the top forwards, something he couldn’t handle last year. Holtz is going to crack the roster. If he can break out, he’ll contribute to an already-loaded offense.
Two other young players who hoped to make an impact this preseason, Nolan Foote and Graeme Clarke, haven’t made the most of their opportunity. Neither made significant contributions when given minutes. Clarke missed offensive opportunities and made defensive mistakes. Foote took some shots and had some high-danger chances against Igor Shesterkin but came up with nothing to show for it. For two guys who needed to impress, they each stayed under the radar.
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Clarke was already sent back to Utica. Foote is no longer waivers-exempt, which means the Devils could lose him to another team if he doesn’t make the NHL roster. If he does remain a Devil, he’ll have more opportunities. It’s a long season, and both of these players still have plenty of potential.