Nico Hischier: 20 Points
Grade: A
Nico Hischier has been everything a Devils fan could ask for. He went on an insane scoring streak in the first few weeks of the season, and he even became the first Devils player ever (minimum five goals) to lead the league in scoring. He’s been on a little bit of a cold streak as of late, but it hasn’t really impacted his contributions. While he hasn’t scored in the month of November, he has added five assists to his numbers, and he’s played incredible defense at both 5v5 and on the penalty kill. If this scoreless streak stretches any further, we’ll consider a drop in grade, but for now, he’s an A-player.
Paul Cotter: 12 Points
Grade: A
Paul Cotter is another player who has provided exactly what any Devils fan would want or expect. After the trade that sent Alex Holtz and Akira Schmid to the Vegas Golden Knights that had many Devils fans reacting negatively, more research into Cotter’s game found he might be exactly what this team needs. He knows how to play with stars (he spent time with Mark Stone and William Karlsson in Vegas), and he has the skill set to excel on a third line. Cotter was well worth the price the Devils paid.
Jack Hughes: 22 Points
Grade: A-
Jack Hughes could very easily get an A, but he had a slightly slow start to the season that barely hurt his grade. He is still one of the game's most dynamic playmakers, and he can skate and turn on a dime. His speed is incredible, and the fact he can use it at such a high level and still keep the puck on his stick at this volume is great. Now, he's helping Ondrej Palat provide some kind of impact at 5v5. Putting up a point per game average after starting the season zero points in six of the first 11 games is incredibly impressive.