If you’re just now starting to follow the New Jersey Devils, you came at the right time. Two seasons ago, the Devils were one of the hottest up-and-coming teams in the league, but they also took a major step back last season, finishing with 81 points and seventh in the Metropolitan Division.
They were also the fourth-worst team in the Eastern Conference, but the narrative should change this season. Poor defense and goaltending, plus injuries, crushed the Devils last year, and although one prominent player is already set to miss time, it’s also not a dealbreaker for this hockey team.
For one, if the forwards stay healthy, the Devils will force opponents to keep up with them, and that won’t be easy for even the league’s better teams. Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and Nico Hischier are all young and among the better (or best) in the league at what they do, and we’re not even talking about other young talents like Dawson Mercer once he signs his deal.
Plus, their situation at goaltender, while not a long-term fix, couldn’t be more different. Add in a defensive rotation that will see Dougie Hamilton back in action, plus the enticing Brett Pesce joining the mix, and this team is much more well-rounded than they were a season ago.
Even the NHL’s better teams should have trouble with the New Jersey Devils
You may argue that the Devils will be facing a New York Rangers team that will epitomize its sense of urgency, thanks to their getting so close to earning a trip to the Stanley Cup Final last year but falling just short. New York might also make some concessions going into next season, so it’s a talented team that will be giving it their all.
The Carolina Hurricanes aren’t the same team they were, or at least on paper. And those like the Washington Capitals could be great, but with so many new players on the team, they may also take a while to mesh, if they even build chemistry at all. It also doesn’t help that they won’t have T.J. Oshie to begin what could be a pivotal year in the nation’s capital.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are rebuilding, and the Philadelphia Flyers didn’t do anywhere near enough to improve upon their surprising run at the playoffs (despite falling short). Ditto for the Pittsburgh Penguins, even if they predictably signed Sidney Crosby to an extension.
That said, you can argue that most of the Metropolitan Division either regressed, or they kept most of their lineup as-is. We also can’t forget about some of the drama with the Rangers that included a potential trade of captain Jacob Trouba, plus the uncertainty around goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s looming deal.
So, is it safe to say that the Devils should be the trendy (almost) worst-to-first pick across the four NHL divisions? I would say so.