Three Players the New Jersey Devils Need to Build Around
The New Jersey Devils have had success in the past and want to relive those moments with this current group. However, with the team constructed the way it currently is, those moments may be few and far between as they retool for future success. Three cornerstone players are the faces of the franchise and ones that the Devils should build around.
Forward Jack Hughes is a superstar in the making. The former first-round pick in the 2019 NHL draft Hughes struggled mightily in his first season as he adjusted to the NHL style of play. He looked at times like he was lost and that he did not belong in the league. He started to come around his second season but, again, did not seem to keep up with the faster pace of the game.
Hughes has made adjustments and looks much better on the ice. He now plays a full-time role and looks very confident. Hughes is no longer a rookie and he is grabbing this team and leading them to future success in the form of a playoff run. This season Hughes has 26 goals and 30 assists for 56 points in 49 games. Hughes is turning into a legit scoring threat and is going to be a force to be reckoned with.
Defenseman Ty Smith has overcome challenges to be one of the better defensemen on the Devils. At 5-foot-11 and 179 pounds, he does not scare too many players but he does have a solid all-around game that he uses to his advantage. He plays a physical game but also plays a simple game that is without turnovers. Offensively, he is smart when to jump into the play and has a sneaky offensive game when he wants to display his offensive talents.
Only 22 years old he has years of excellence ahead of him. Smith is a leader on this team and could very well wear a letter in the future, He does not have a big upside as far as offensive numbers, yet he does supply enough offense to keep the opposition honest.
Goaltender Nico Daws has a bright NHL future. Just getting his feet wet, Daws has impressed in his short NHL career by showcasing the skills that got him drafted by the Devils 84th overall in the 2020 NHL draft. He controls the game between the pipes and plays the game like he has been playing in the league for years. A backup now but he has the number one goaltender written all over him. Although he has struggled a bit, he is early in his career and only 21 years old.
When Daws fully adjusts to the NHL game he will be the goaltender New Jersey needs to make another Stanley Cup run. In 20 career NHL games, he has a GAA of 3.33, a .892 save %, and a record of 8-10. He is positionally sound, challenges very shooter, and does not let a goal allowed disrupt his focus on getting a win. He is a confident goaltender who plays with an edge, which is what he will need to be successful.
The New Jersey Devils were a prominent Stanley Cup contender who prided themselves on defense. Now the Devils are turning the corner and becoming a better all-around team, one that will make noise sooner than later. Although their prospect pool could use some help the franchise is heading in the right direction with the young core of Jack Hughes, Ty Smith, and Nico Daws.