New Jersey Devils: 2019 season preview, predictions
Nobody improved their team this summer more than the New Jersey Devils. But did they do enough to return to the postseason?
The New Jersey Devils were the darlings of the NHL in 2017-18. Nobody expected them to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Yet, led by Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall, the Devils made the postseason. Even though they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, things were looking up.
That all came crashing down during the 2018-19 season. Hall got injured and the Devils finished with one of the worst records in the league. However, their terrific luck in the draft lottery continued, as they were able to draft Jack Hughes.
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Drafting Hall was just the start of their summer. Looking to impress Hall enough to keep him around long-term, general manager Ray Shero did what he does best – he got bold and made big moves.
The Devils are no longer your father’s Devils. They aren’t boring anymore. The Devils have grabbed that label and have thrown it out the window. But will these changes be enough to make the postseason in what should be a competitive Metropolitan Division?
Offseason Recap
Added: Nikita Gusev, Jack Hughes, Dakota Mermis, Wayne Simmonds, Ben Street, P.K. Subban, Matt Tennyson
Lost: Kenny Agostino, Kurtis Gabriel, Eric Gryba, Stefan Noesen, John Quenneville, Steven Santini, Drew Stafford
Hughes is a huge addition for the Devils. With Nico Hischier and Hughes, few, if any, teams can boast a better duo of centers on entry-level contracts. A day after the Devils drafted Hughes, they traded for defenseman P.K. Subban. He should help fix one of their league’s weakest bluelines.
Simmonds was signed to a one-year deal worth $5 million. While that’s a bit rich, it’s only for one year. The Nikita Gusev trade could pay off significant dividends, as he’s arguably the best player in the world not playing in the NHL.