Takeaway #3: The Final Spot Is Nathan Bastian's To Lose
The bottom six for the Devils is interesting. Unlike last season, when the Devils tried to have a line with Mercer and Alex Holtz at all times, this one brings a very specific element to the game. Ondrej Palat-Erik Haula-Stefan Noesen is going to bring veteran leadership while also providing an underdog scoring element. Paul Cotter-Curtis Lazar-Nathan Bastian is a traditional fourth line that will hit you, but we like what Cotter and Lazar bring as a unit.
Bastian is a surprising member there, basically getting guaranteed minutes with a starting line. It may be early, but Bastian hasn’t shown enough to play consistently after a no-show last season. Yes, he was hurt, but he had his worst season as a pro even before that.
Meanwhile, Nolan Foote, Kevin Labanc, and Kurtis MacDermid are on lines that are very clearly not going to make the team. It basically took the one competition in camp and made it a formality. To be fair, we haven’t seen as much from those three to say they should make the roster, but at least Labanc has shown flashes. He’s also playing for an NHL job, as he was signed to a PTO.
For now, we expect Bastian to make the roster and play opening night. From there, it’s anyone’s guess. All three of Foote, MacDermid, and Labanc (if he were to sign) would have to go through waivers to make the AHL. With the Devils' defensive injuries, it could give them a chance to hold at least two of the three while Bastian gets the first crack.