We've waited for months, but the New Jersey Devils are finally back. They are currently in Czechia preparing to play in the Global Series, and a backup lineup was left behind in New Jersey. As the preseason rolls to the start of the regular season on October 4th, we've gathered the entirety of the Pucks and Pitchforks staff to predict the Devils and the NHL season.
If you want to have a laugh, see some of our predictions from 2023-24. Ah, those were the good times. With the Devils looking to erase the memory of that season, what do we expect to happen? Take a journey with Pucks and Pitchforks as we go through everything that could happen in 2024-25.
1. Who will be the Devils' breakout performer this season?
Nick Villano: I've been on the Santeri Hatakka train for a while, and I'm not going to let an injury change my mind. I really think he's going to be a solid defender for the Devils and will find a starting role at some point (but Arseni Gritzyuk will be the breakout performer in the playoffs).
Vinnie Parise: Simon Nemec is a great candidate for this. He was very good as a rookie in 2023-24 despite there being no plan for him to play. Injury issues forced their hand and he showed them that they have a future star.
Robert DeLuca: Paul Cotter. He was signed to bring some much needed depth to the team's bottom six. He is going to be way more useful than fans expect.
Charlie Borges Jr.: This years breakout player is going to be Curtis Lazar. He showed he can be a valuable bottom six player last season. Also, with him being in a contract year, he is going to become one of the better role players in the league. Honorable Mention: Seamus Casey.
Alex Chauvancy: I'm not sure Dawson Mercer counts as a breakout performer this season, so let's go with Simon Nemec. He had an excellent rookie season in 2023-24, and he should build on that with less extreme usage this season.
Trey Matthews: Dawson Mercer. He has a lot to prove after coming off a subpar season. He can't afford another slow start, otherwise he might get the Alexander Holtz's treatment: Constantly seeing his name in trade discussions.
Craig Patrick: Paul Cotter is going to be a menace in the bottom 6. If he and Lazar link up, they could give the Devils what they have so infrequently had since the days of the Ryan Carter/Steve Bernier/Stephen Gionta line-- a legit scoring threat from the third or fourth line.
Joe Stanislau: Paul Cotter due to the fact he can play on a fast, and heavy attacking line. His hits, forechecking, and net presence will bring vibes of a new NJ Crash line.
David Holliday: Simon Nemec. I don't expect a lot of points from him but he will show that last season was not just a fluke by a rookie and that he is already a legit top 4 defender.
Aidan Barrett: Dawson Mercer should have a big year for New Jersey. Key players unlocked their potential under Keefe's system in Toronto. Expect Dawson Mercer to do the same.
Schiller: The Devils' breakout performer this season will be captain Nico Hischier. With many new acquisitions set up for success, the silent captain will prevail the most by taking advantage of his new and improved surroundings to break his single-season scoring record of 80 points.
Luke Garrison: I believe Jack Hughes is the breakout performer of the season, but the main question and argument is whether he can stay healthy. It’s been a concern every year, but this year, he needs to avoid any injury, if possible, to get into that 100-point range.
Marci Rubin: The Devils’ breakout performer will be Simon Nemec.
Sam Annaluru: I think Paul Cotter will become an important piece this season.
Neil Villapiano: Dawson Mercer. He's coming off a down year with a bridge contract to prove himself. He also will get a huge chance on the top six along with either Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier, who are playmakers that can set up Mercer to score and score often.