The New Jersey Devils' forwards will be relied upon heavily this upcoming season. They boast some of the best top-end talent in the National Hockey League. On top of that, general manager Sunny Mehta acquired some depth to help round out their lineup. With all that in place, it's time to take a deep dive into how the lines will look and predict their stats.
When looking at the roster on paper, this is a deeper team than what they've put on the ice the past two season. They have a strong core down the middle with several wingers that could reach 20-25 goals. The lines can certainly switch up based on chemistry and other factors, but this is generally how I see things playing out.
1st Line: Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Anthony Mantha
Timo Meier: 31 Goals, 48 Assists, 79 Points
Nico Hischier: 27 Goals, 41 Assists, 68 Points
Anthony Mantha: 28 Goals, 38 Assists 66 Points
The top line of the Devils has three guys who can beat in a bunch of different ways. Timo Meier is the one that's going to be the biggest to watch. He hasn't eclipsed 30 goals in a season in Jersey yet. However, he is due for a season that truly goes his way. With Nico Hischier down the middle and newly signed Anthony Mantha on the other wing, the opportunities for goals will come early and often.
2nd Line: Jesper Bratt - Jack Hughes - Connor Brown
Jesper Bratt: 29 Goals, 52 Assists, 81 Points
Jack Hughes: 42 Goals, 60 Assists, 102 Points
Connor Brown: 17 Goals, 29 Assists, 46 Points
Despite keeping the second line the same as last year, Jack Hughes, as mentioned in a previous article, is poised for his first 100-point campaign. He comes in with tons of motivation to perform and stay healthy on the ice. Plus, he's a competitor and wants to get the franchise back to the postseason. Keeping the PB&J combo of Hughes and Jesper Bratt will continue to work wonders. Connor Brown will continue to have success playing with a team's best player and bring even more of a scoring boost than before.
3rd Line: Arseny Gritsyuk - Cody Glass - Dawson Mercer
Arseny Gritsyuk: 21 Goals, 35 Assists, 56 Points
Cody Glass: 16 Goals, 26 Assists, 42 Points
Dawson Mercer: 21 Goals, 22 Assists, 43 Points
This third line has the makings of being sneaky good in 26-27. Arseny Gritsyuk will be in his second year and has the talent to score at a pretty solid rate in year two. Cody Glass has become a reliable two-way center who also can contribute on the scoresheet. Dawson Mercer needs a good season (he's expected to be a Restricted Free Agent in 2027), and playing in the bottom six gives him a chance to put up points against more favorable matchups.
4th line: Jesper Boqvist - Nick Bjugstad - Evan Rodrigues
Jesper Boqvist: 8 Goals, 11 Assists, 19 Points
Nick Bjugstad: 7 Goals, 10, 17 Points
Evan Rodrigues: 13 Goals, 21 Assists, 34 Points
Many will argue that Evan Rodrigues should be higher up the lineup given his past play. However, he becomes an invaluable piece to New Jersey's bottom six given what he can do in all facets of the game. He gives the club more offensive depth while being able to grind out tough, physical plays. Nick Bjugstad will contribute more in a full season in New Jersey and be a solid penalty kill presence. The same for returnee Jesper Boqvist who comes back a more seasoned veteran.
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