The New Jersey Devils still have holes on their roster, but they will likely go forth with this team. They still need to re-sign Luke Hughes, and they have just under $7 million to spend. The math isn’t mathing with this roster.
The Devils would love to add a third-line center and a top-six winger. That would make this team a true contender. As currently constructed, the Devils need a lot to go right to be one of those upper-echelon teams. First and foremost, the Devils need to stay healthy. They need to keep Jack Hughes on the ice for as close to 82 games as possible.
Not too far behind that, the Devils have to find internal replacements for the holes on their roster. We talked about a few internal options to play next to Jack Hughes not named Ondrej Palat. Now, let’s talk about the third center options.
The most prominent choice for 3C is Dawson Mercer. However, like we pointed out in the Jack Hughes article, Mercer makes the most sense in the top six as a wing. Despite his struggles last season, he was really good with Hughes (and average with everyone else).
If Mercer plays in the top six, that moves all the Devils’ centers up a line. That means Cody Glass would be the team’s third-line center. After re-signing him to a two-year deal, the Devils are committed to him in their bottom six.
Cody Glass could be forced to play on the New Jersey Devils' third line
Of course, this isn’t the ideal scenario. Glass can be a really good center in spurts, but his offensive consistency just isn’t there. He has a little more growth, even at 26 years old, but he’s not going to wake up and become a 30-goal scorer or even put up close to 50 points. Today, we need to be happy if Glass gives us 35 points.
That type of ceiling isn’t too exciting for a guy locked into the third line. Most would likely want a guy who at least has 50-point upside. The Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers’ third-line center is Anton Lundell, who had 45 points last season and still has room to grow. That’s the idealistic option for a third-line center, but that’s not the case for Glass.
Still, if the Devils are stuck in that position, they can enhance the situation with great wingers. Pairing Glass with Arseniy Gristyuk and Evgenii Dadonov could give Glass a chance to build insane chemistry that drives his own offense.
The other issue is who would be playing behind Glass. Juho Lammikko was signed this offseason, and he has a chance to take a regular role after a few years out of the NHL. The Devils also just re-signed Thomas Bordeleau, who will have a chance to fight for a roster spot. Paul Cotter has played center in the past, but we’d be surprised if he took the role. Lammikko would be the most likely option at 4C.
Glass at 3C isn’t ideal, but it’s not a nightmare, either. The wingers who are likely playing with him in this situation would make him a better player. Glass can keep the Devils responsible on defense while his new linemates keep the puck moving. There could be something there.