New Jersey Devils have finally found the proper usage for Ondrej Palat

Ondrej Palat has had his fair share of criticism since signing with the New Jersey Devils back in the summer of 2022. He has not been the player the team had hoped to get when they signed him to a five-year deal worth $6 million per season.

He has not come close to even his point total in his last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning (49), with his high point total in New Jersey just 31 two seasons ago. It's clear that his skills are declining, and with two years left on his deal, the majority of the fanbase would love nothing more than to see the Devils ship him out.

However, through the first week of training camp/preseason, it appears the team has found a role that suits the Czech veteran winger, which includes playing alongside someone who only signed with the franchise back in July.

Winger Connor Brown joined the Devils via free agency back on July 1st of this year. He did so after playing with the Edmonton Oilers. During the last two years, he became an invaluable member, helping the team reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals while playing on the wing many times against the best player in the world, Connor McDavid. During his time playing with the Oilers captain, Brown compiled 17 goals and 42 points. During the playoffs, Brown was instrumental for McDavid, posting seven goals and 15 points in two seasons.

So, how does this help Ondrej Palat? Well, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe has had Brown and Palat practicing along with centerman Luke Glendening, who's on a tryout with the Devils since the start of camp. The trio had their first opportunity in a game setting in the Devils' 6-2 thrashing of the New York Islanders in the second preseason game for New Jersey on Tuesday night. Brown and Palat played well in a third-line, checking role. On top of that, the two connected on Brown's first goal in New Jersey in the second period. Palat made a beautiful feed through traffic to a streaking Brown, who buried his shot near side.

Palat looked comfortable all night long, and his confidence was evident in his play with Brown and Glendening. It should be mentioned as well that Glendening has made himself noticeable in each of the team's two preseason games, being strong on the faceoff dot (59.05% success) as well as on the penalty kill. The chemistry is visible in practice as well, and they continued to be acknowledged by the masses. If they can continue this kind of play, it will make it easy for Keefe to have an established third line for the regular season.

Everyone knows that Palat is on thin ice with many Devils' fans out there, and rightfully so. However, if playing alongside Brown makes Palat even somewhat worth his contract, then that will only benefit the players and the team's success that much more. General manager Tom Fitzgerald went out and added some depth to this team. By doing so with Connor Brown, he has not only added depth but has created a solution to the Palat conundrum. A solution that could keep Palat around and make him a valuable asset to the team's bottom six.