Way-too-early New Jersey Devils Opening Night forward lines predictions

Line 4
Nolan Foote - Curtis Lazar - Stefan Noesen

One might think it’s insane to sign Stefan Noesen to a three-year deal worth close to $3 million per season just to throw him on the fourth line, but the situation is never as it seems. The fourth line often gets the third-most minutes, and this line would definitely fight for that. Noesen and Curtis Lazar would have chemistry for days. They would be able to turn opposing teams upside down with their style.

We have Nathan Bastian and Nolan Foote fighting for the last lineup spot. We think this becomes a narrative all season, but right at the beginning, Foote wins the spot. Bastian has to figure out what his role will be from night one.

The Devils also have Kurtis MacDermid, but he’s truly here just to provide a hard-nosed mentality for a few games per season. There’s no reason to start him off against the Buffalo Sabres unless they are trying to send a message to Lindy Ruff. He will be a healthy scratch (or more) on more nights than not.

We have a sneaky feeling that Foote-Lazar-Noesen will become the fan-favorite line. They will use board battles to create offense and seldom make mistakes that hurt them on the other side of the ice.