Ranking the New Jersey Devils forwards from worst to first for the 2024-25 season

I’ll be real: I really like the way the New Jersey Devils forward group is shaping up in 2024-25. In these rankings, most of the NHL universe will be huge fans of what the Devils won’t just have in the top-six but also those providing depth in the lower lines, because you can make a valid argument that this team will have 12 quality forwards heading into the season. 

But if we took every player who could make the team as a forward this season, how would they stack up against one another? Below, you’ll find 13 players who should make the big club, plus one who is capable of playing a hybrid role. 

This list likely won’t be set, as general manager Tom Fitzgerald could end up signing another forward before the season begins, or a prospect could impress in the preseason and earn a spot in the lineup. But following most of the roster transactions that occurred in the first week of July, here is how the Devils forwards currently rank. 

14 - Kurtis MacDermid

Kurtis MacDermid is technically a defenseman; however he has seen time at forward in the past, so, therefore, he’ll be ranked both here and in my next piece when I tackle the blueliners. Regardless of whether he’s at home on the blue line or if he indeed sees time at forward this season on a nominal basis, expect MacDermid to see very limited ice time. 

13 - Nolan Foote

Nolan Foote has played in just a handful of games throughout the last four years, but that may change this season. If so, Foote will provide a young presence on the lower lines, and there’s a chance his stock will increase when we revisit these rankings.  

12 - Nathan Bastian

Overall, Bastian saw 54 games for the Devils last season, where he finished the season with 143 hits and 12 points, and 10:10 of average total ice time. His season ended prematurely following a pair of incidents against the New York Rangers, but Bastian should be ready to roll and resume fourth-line minutes this season.