It is no secret that the New Jersey Devils have been plagued by injuries to start the season, and to this point, they have had the depth to be able to keep rolling. Now with Jack Hughes set to miss the next 8+ weeks, the Devils' forwards will need to step up and deliver more offense. Players like Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and Dawson Mercer, who are continuing their hot starts, will help, but depth players will need to take it to another level offensively.
One player who seems to have the potential to contribute more on offense is Arseny Gritsyuk, who has put up 10 points (four goals, six assists) through his first 18 games while playing up and down the lineup. He has fit in seamlessly on every line he has been placed on to this point, starting off strong on the third line before getting a brief look on the top two lines playing alongside Nico Hischier and then Hughes before his injury.
Aside from just his offensive abilities, Gritsyuk has looked like a perfect fit in the Devils' top 6. He is responsible enough defensively to play on a line with Hischier and face teams' top players, and he is smart and skilled enough to play with Hughes.
Gritsyuk's ice time has been increasing all season, and it is safe to assume it will continue to rise after all of the injuries to the Devils' offense. He played a season high 20:39 in Chicago and had an assist, and played 18:34 in D.C. (2nd highest TOI) and had a goal. He even played 16:30 in the disaster that was the 5-1 loss to the Lightning, adding an assist for his efforts.
If he continues to see more time in the top 6 and maybe even gets a look on the top power play, Gritsyuk can flourish in this opportunity and help the Devils stay at the top of the division.