Jesper Bratt
All signs point to Jesper Bratt elevating his game in 2024-25. He tallied 73 points in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Bratt reached 30 goals in one season for the first time in 2022-23. He then hit a career-high 83 points in 2023-24 and became an All-Star for the first time. He's hitting a higher ceiling offensively no matter how good the team around him is.
During what was a difficult season for the Devils in 2023-24, Bratt often showed a spark that the team as a whole lacked. The Devils relied on Bratt more in a season that consisted of significant injuries to star players Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier and Dougie Hamilton. The increased reliance didn’t scare Bratt, who found ways to get involved all over the ice and contribute.
Heading into his age 26 season, Bratt is now in the prime of his career. It’s incredible that as a former sixth-round draft pick, his ceiling probably goes higher than he's already reached. Bratt plays well with both of the Devils’ top centers and will be a staple of the team’s top 6 for years to come. This upcoming season will show how much more Bratt can grow.