The Devils got the payoff for being the worst team in the Eastern Conference last season (and tied for the third-worst team in the league), earning themselves the No. 1 pick in the draft. Although there wasn’t a generational prospect available like a Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid, general manager Ray Shero thought long and hard about whom to take and chose Swiss center Nico Hischier. The 18-year-old then impressed in camp and made the team, set to start in a top-six role and get important minutes.
This is still likely to be another year of focusing on youth and projecting how good this team could be down the line, but it’s a year in which the roster is substantially better than it was last season. Most notably, Shero got Marcus Johansson in a trade with the Capitals, adding a legit top-six winger to supplement Taylor Hall, the big addition last year.
Not that there are high expectations for the group as a whole, but they are there for certain individuals to show promise — and, in turn, to have a team that is at least competitive.
Offense
It was a tough blow when Travis Zajac tore his pectoral in offseason training, and it’s set to keep the veteran center out at least until January. But that does leave more ice time for two young pivots — Hischier and the No. 6 pick from 2015, Pavel Zacha. Zacha didn’t have a great rookie season (eight goals, 24 points in 70 games) but should get quite a boost if he’s between Hall and Kyle Palmieri. Still more is expected of center Adam Henrique, yet to match his 51-point rookie year in 2011-12, but if he gets some time alongside Johansson that should help. Veterans Drew Stafford and Jimmy Hayes have something to prove, as does 23-year-old Joseph Blandisi, who spent most of last year in the AHL after a promising rookie campaign in 2015-16. It also would be a huge emotional boost if Brian Boyle can join them at some point after being diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia just before the start of training camp.
Defense
An unheralded offseason move from Shero could prove hugely helpful. He traded picks with the Sharks for restricted free agent Mirco Mueller, then signed the 22-year-old lefty to a two-year deal worth $850,000 per. Mueller had a terrific camp and could start in the top four. Shero also signed reigning Hobey Baker Award-winner Will Butcher out of the University of Denver, and he earned himself an opening-night roster spot. The six-year, $25 million deal ($4.166 million per) for 23-year-old Damon Severson could prove costly, but captain Andy Greene could steady the first pair.
Goaltending
Starter Cory Schneider had the worst statistical season of his career last year, putting up a 2.82 goals-against average and .908 save percentage. His career numbers are 2.28/.922, and he had been terrific since coming to New Jersey in 2013-14 after starting his career splitting time in Vancouver. The Devils need him to be their backbone, and he’s going to start a ton of games with unproven Keith Kinkaid as his backup.
Coaching
Now entering his third full year behind the Devils bench, John Hynes is being tested on how good he is at getting the most out of young players. Although the expectations for the team may not be that high, the organization wants to see steps forward with their young core, and it’s on Hynes to make sure that happens.
Keys to the season
– Most important offensive player: Taylor Hall. The winger who is supposed to lead the Devils offense didn’t have a great first year in New Jersey but is hoping to bounce back.
– Most important defensive player: Damon Severson. The Devils invested a lot in this young man, and he has to prove he can be a top-four player for a long time.
– Top rookie: Nico Hischier. The No. 1-overall pick has shown uncommon poise, but it’s to be seen if he can handle the physicality of the NHL season.
– Key coaching decision: Seeing if Hischier is ready. With nine games as a tryout before his entry-level deal kicks in, Hynes is going to have to decide if Hischier develops most here or back in junior.
Prediction
The Devils are going to be better (which isn’t saying a lot), but it’s hard to see them competing in the Metropolitan Division. Best case is they’re relevant late in the season, within striking distance of a wild-card spot.