Who are the New Jersey Devils top scoring defensemen? It might not be who you think
When the New Jersey Devils take the ice for the 2024-25 home opener, the team's defense is looking to add to the offense as well as stop opposing scorers. Who will be the best at putting the puck in the net?
So far, from what we’ve seen from the New Jersey Devils' defense in these two games, things look very promising. Even without Luke Hughes and the new addition Brett Pesce, the Devils played both Global Series games impressively on offense and defense. But where will all the current defensive guys end up with points? Who will be the three best defensive players in terms of points?
Seamus Casey
8 goals, 22 assists, 30 Points
Seamus Casey has looked very impressive in his first two NHL games. Even as a rookie, Casey plays very comfortably in the league. Casey scored his first NHL goal last Saturday against the Sabres in the Global Series on a nice toe-drag shot. If Casey plays the way he did against the Sabres in his first two games, imagine how he could play against other stronger teams. However, Casey is still a rookie, so he probably won’t put up rookie superstar numbers. But if Casey remains consistent, I can see him putting together a 30-point season with 22 assists and eight goals.
Dougie Hamilton
20 goals, 47 assists, 67 points
When Dougie Hamilton went down and missed the entire regular season last year after injuring his pectoral, he returned fully healthy to a much-improved defense. Before the injury last season, Dougie did manage to get 16 points in the only 20 games he played that season. Although he is fully healthy and will have a great supporting cast around him to help him, especially on the powerplay, I suspect that his stats may dip into what his 2022-23 numbers were, with a 67-point season, where he will have 20 goals, and 47 assists this season. But to have those stats, he must stay healthy for most of the season!
Luke Hughes Point Predication:
13 goals, 30 assists, 43 points
While losing Luke Hughes for a bit of the season may be hard to deal with at first, the Devils should be fine defensively. Once Luke comes back, however, it should take him a little time for him to get going to catch up with the team. However, with the full support of Jack and the team, it shouldn’t take long for him to start scoring again. We loved watching the connection between Luke and Jack Hughes in games, which we loved whenever they were, and we want to see more of it this season. Here is hoping he returns very soon.
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