New Jersey Devils have something in common with Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers have faced off in the Stanley Cup Final in each of the last two seasons. The Panthers won both, but these are clearly the two best teams in the league right now. 

What makes them so good? There are a lot of key factors to their success, but one of them sticks out above the rest. They are both incredibly deep at the center ice position. Each of their top two lines has a star right in the middle. 

The NHL Network revealed its list of top 20 centers in the league right now, and both top-six centers for each team made it. Connor McDavid was 1st, Leon Draisaitl was third, Aleksander Barkov was fourth, and Sam Bennett was 20th. 

All four of these gentlemen are well deserving of this list, regardless of the order, and they all rise to the occasion once they get deep in the playoffs. Having center depth at an elite level like that plays a big role in the overall team success.

Only one other NHL team has two centers that made this list. Of course, that team is the New Jersey Devils. Jack Hughes came in at number 11 while Nico Hischier is 14th. 

This is the highest that Hischier has ever been on the list, but injuries have caused Hughes to drop from six to outside the top 10. He's still in his early 20s and will likely spend any more seasons in the top 10. There is still time for them to each elevate even higher.

Devils having two top centers is key to future contention

How do the New Jersey Devils achieve the level of success that the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers have reached with their star centers? Well, more development could get Hughes and Hischier to new heights. Being healthier as they develop their bodies further will play a role in that.

It is also on Tom Fitzgerald and his staff to put a better supporting cast around Hughes and Hischier. Top-six forwards like Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt are incredibly high-end, but there is a drop-off after that.

The defense has a great long-term outlook with guys like Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec leading the way. If the youngest Hughes, especially, can elevate his game to another level, the Devils will be even scarier in the offensive zone.

Although there is work to do with the roster mid-season and beyond, having two young centers as good as these two is not an easy thing to achieve. A little bit of luck led to having them with two lottery wins, and New Jersey needs to take advantage.