The New Jersey Devils have had a terrible start to the season. However, despite being outside a playoff spot on American Thanksgiving, the Devils are still more likely than not to make the playoffs. That beats conventional wisdom, but according to MoneyPuck, the Devils still have over a 60 percent chance to make the postseason.
As of Thanksgiving, the Devils are just four points outside a playoff spot. That’s incredibly attainable. What’s actually complicated is that the Devils are two spots from the bottom in the Eastern Conference. They would have to jump six other teams to make a playoff push.
It’s still really early, and there’s a lot to be confident about this team. The playoffs are literally months away, so let’s look at the reasons we should be confident this is rock bottom.
1. The Return of the Stars
As always, let’s start with the obvious. Jack Hughes is already back. Nico Hischier has been practicing and could be back as soon as Friday. Timo Meier is out with a mystery ailment, but based on the initial diagnosis, he shouldn’t be out too long. Colin Miller just returned, and he’s fitting into the lineup very well. Nolan Foote is also injured, but who knows when he’ll return.
The return of Hughes and the impending return of Hischier will change how the offense operates. Michael McLeod played above his head, but putting him back on the fourth line with Nathan Bastian and another forward (possibly Alexander Holtz, who had great chemistry with them earlier in the season). Adding a Hart Trophy contender and a Selke-caliber center to play on the top two lines will push this team back into contention.