This time last year, expectations were high for the New Jersey Devils. Despite not having a number one goaltender, many people thought the Devils would compete in the Metro Division and make a deep run in the playoffs. That did not happen. Injuries to key players like Dougie Hamilton and Jack Hughes, along with poor goaltending and sloppy defense, derailed the Devils playoff hopes.
Mike Rupp Likes The Moves The New Jersey Devils Made This Offseason
The Devils President and General Manager knew he had to address those areas of need. As The Devils Nation has documented, first, Fitzgerald got his number one goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, to pair with Jake Allen. Then he upgraded and revamped the defense, adding Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic to guide Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec. A defense that was small in stature just got bigger and tougher to play against.
He added Stefan Noesen, Tomas Tatar, and Paul Cotter for depth. Tatar can play in the top nine, while Cotter and Noesen are more bottom-six forwards. While they could still use an offensive weapon, there is talent with Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Ondrej Palat, Jack Hughes, and Dawson Mercer. Mercer still needs a new contract.
Bringing Sheldon Keefe into the mix as the new head coach will allow the New Jersey Devils’ talent to shine on the ice. He will hold players accountable for mistakes and get them to play defense while not destroying their offensive ability. Just look what he did with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite the playoff losses, the Maple Leafs were a high-scoring team, and in the playoffs, they played defense but just could not get over the line.
Its Playoff or Bust for the New Jersey Devils This Season
Not only is the coach motivated, but the players are, which is why they are an intriguing team in the Metro Division this season. Former NHL head coach and current analyst on NHL Network Bruce Boudreau was asked who the best team in the Metro is right now, and he was not afraid to say the New Jersey Devils.
Tony Luftman : “What I want to hear is, the best team in the Metro right now is?”
Bruce Boudreau: “Come on, keep putting me on the spot. You know, I do believe it should be the Devils. But we thought this last year, you know, like, I mean, what they did is, they, like I said, they addressed needs and by getting Brett Pesce and Brendan Dillon and then a healthy Dougie Hamilton to go along with their offense. And listen, Sheldon Keefe has coached an offensive team, so, I mean, the first time I remember getting the Vancouver job going in playing them, they said, ‘Hey, you got to watch the Devils, because no matter what they can score, no matter how bad defensively they are, they can score.’ And so they can still score. Sheldon Keefe knows that, but now they’ve added defense and a goaltender.
So I mean, I believe, look it, I think the Rangers are a great team. And, I mean, they’re going to be great again with a healthy Chytil and LaFreniere back into that lineup. He was grooving, you know? I mean, just growing into his role. But I do believe, on paper, I’m looking at the Devils, and I’m going, man, they should be hard to beat if they’re healthy.”
Erik Haula Says the Devils Will Be An Exciting and Motivated Group This Season
The Devils will compete with the New York Rangers, who are not going anywhere. The Carolina Hurricanes may not be as strong roster-wise as last year, but they are still a threat. A team that the Devils must learn to beat is the Washington Capitals, who will still be a threat in the Metro Division with the additions they made this offseason.
Again, on paper, the New Jersey Devils have a better team than they did last year. Expectations are high again, and playoffs are a must for the Devils this season. It is about staying healthy and coming together as a team, but as Bruce Boudreau stated, expect the Devils to compete for the top spot in the Metro again this season.
