NHL

TSJ 31 in 31: New Jersey Devils Avoid Adding Depth

by
Former Writers
September 11, 2018

NHL

The New Jersey Devils Did Not Add Anybody This Offseason And it May Hurt the Team Moving Forward

The New Jersey Devils surprised many last season by making the playoffs. Although, the Devils were knocked out in the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning many fans viewed last year as a success. But this offseason saw many depth skaters leave via Free Agency and management did nothing to counteract the exit of the players. With six players leaving, how will the Devils do this season?

Have the Devils Gotten Better?

No, the Devils have not. This does not mean New Jersey got worse, they just did not get better. The Devils decided to stay with what they have rather than adding names that may not help complete the puzzle. Although New Jersey chose this option, they did lose some depth guys in the process.

Additions

*insert cricket noise here*

There were no additions that will help out the team’s 12 forwards and 6 defensemen. They did add Eddie Lack but he is the third goalie for the Devils and will likely be in the AHL this season. Eric Gryba was also added but as it stands in the Devils’ depth chart, the slots in as their 10th best defenseman.

Subtractions

The depth lost this offseason may not be good for the Devils. Big Forwards in Patrick Maroon, Drew Stafford, Jimmy Hayes, Brian Gibbons, and Michael Grabner will be missed in the lineup of young players. John Moore is the player subtracted from the equation on defense.

In 81 games, Moore totaled 18 points including 11 assists. Patrick Maroon played 17 games with New Jersey (acquired in a trade with Edmonton) and he scored 3 goals and added 10 assists. Brian Gibbons may be a huge loss for the Devils this year. In 59 games with the team, Gibbons tallied 12 goals while assisting 14 times. Drew Stafford also will be missed on the middle six forward section. Stafford played 59 games in 2017-18 and scored 8 goals while totaling 15 points. Grabner and Hayes combined for 14 points last year (5 goals, 9 assists).

Where the New Jersey Devils Stand

With a Net Gain of -86, there may not be any hope for New Jersey. After a season of making the playoffs, it will be luck and hard work that gets the Devils to the dance this year. While New Jersey does have scoring up front with Taylor Hall, Nico Hischier and Kyle Palmieri, there is not much below the top line. Last season the trio combined for 30 percent (189 out of 630 points) of the teams overall score.

The teams biggest wild card will be the Hall-Hischier duo. The two questions: 1) Can Taylor Hall continue his play from last year that won him the Hart Trophy? And 2) If so, can Hall pull along Nico Hischier to award Hischier with an even better year this year than last year?

Although things may be looking up for New Jersey in the long run, I do not see the Devils making the Playoffs in 2018-19. They will probably finish around 6th place in the Metropolitan Division. This may be a tough year for Devils fans but remember, it may only get better from here.