If the New Jersey Devils have designs of playing rookie Arseny Gritsyuk with franchise forward Jack Hughes during the regular season, their first taste of that combination certainly passed the smell test in Sunday's preseason tilt with the Washington Capitals.
Gritsyuk, 24, was on the ice for the Devils' game-tying goal, which came immediately upon the expiry of a power play opportunity. Prospect Shane Lachance banged in a Hughes rebound, and Simon Nemec earned a secondary assist, but Gritsyuk was still getting the looks.
It helps, too, that Gritsyuk and Hughes each scored for the Devils in the shootout, though Andrew Cristall ultimately lifted the Capitals to a 3-2 win on the 10th attempt of the skills competition.
Gritsyuk and Hughes played just under 10 minutes (9:55) together at 5-on-5, according to Natural Stat Trick, and together owned a Corsi percentage of 66.67%, out-shooting opponents 8-4 in their time on the ice.
Gritsyuk's expected goals-for percentage with Hughes on the ice was a staggering 91.46%, while scoring chances were 5-1 and high-danger chances were 2-0, each in favor of the Devils.
Jeremy Colliton says the plan was to swap #NJDevils Arseny Gritsyuk from Jack to Nico’s line.
— Kristy Flannery (@InStilettos_NHL) September 28, 2025
“Give him the opportunity to play with different combinations. It's likely going to happen during the season. So just to give him a little bit of a taste now, to what that's like.”
The Russian protégé did eventually switch places with Ondrej Palat, who started off with Nico Hischier and Timo Meier, but a trio of Gritsyuk, Hughes, and Bratt has some serious potential if and when they really start clicking.
The numbers back up what has been a mostly outstanding preseason campaign for Gritsyuk so far; he's always a threat offensively, packs plenty of speed, and shows no fear of going to the less favorable areas of the ice.
Sure, the offensive production with Hughes wasn't an instant hit, but it usually never is. The important takeaway here is the chemistry and being able to hang with Hughes and Bratt and be a member of that line. Gritsyuk producing goals like an animal would just be an added bonus, and one that will likely come with time.
Expect the Devils to turn to this line one more time in the preseason and keep it in their back pockets for the start of the regular season next week.