The New Jersey Devils are preparing to take the ice after a well-deserved four-day break. They've run through a torrid pace to start their season. It started in Prague, Czechia, where they took home two wins at the expense of their former head coach Lindy Ruff. That wasn't even 50 days ago.
A lot has happened since then. The Devils had a four-game losing streak that had the fanbase questioning everything. They beat the defending champs in a strange two-game set in South Florida. They've given up eight goals in a game and have been shutout three times, but at the same time, they've shut out three teams and have had on of the best special teams in the NHL.
With all that said, how can you grade the Devils at the season's 21-game mark? One quick note, only players who have played 10 games at skater qualify (both goalies will be graded).
How do you grade the New Jersey Devils at the NHL season's quarter mark?
Forwards: Jesper Bratt: 24 Points
Grade: A+
Jesper Bratt remains one of the most underrated players in the NHL. His 24 points has him tied for 12th in the league with names like Artemi Panarin and Connor McDavid. He's leading the Devils in points, and he's on pace to break the team record in assists. His 62-assist pace would beat Scott Stevens record from 1993-94 by two. He's making incredible plays, contributing on the power play, using his skills to show why he deserves every penny of his contract, and he's been a leader on the ice. The Devils literally couldn't ask for another thing from Bratt.
Stefan Noesen: 16 Points
Grade: A+
Raise your hand if you had Stefan Noesen scoring nine goals this season. Some of you? Well, he has nine goals after 21 games. Noesen has been one of the best free agent signings in the entire NHL, putting up 16 points after the Devls signed him to a three-year deal this offseason. Noesen's career high in goals is 14, which he did last year with the Hurricanes. At this pace, Noesen will have that by Christmas. He's been incredible for the Devils this year, and he's a huge reason the team is where they are in the standings.