Revamped New Jersey Devils looking good early in the season

After missing the playoffs last season, the New Jersey Devils are primed and ready to take charge this season. With some retooling in the offseason by general manager Tom Fitzgerald, New Jersey is tied for the best record in the NHL with eight points. Several new additions are making a statement, making this team dangerous from top to bottom.

Devils hopeful for playoff return

The Devils acquired many players this offseason, but none of elite status. While none of those players will lead the league in scoring, they do provide depth to a team that is already good. Secondary scoring will be critical down the stretch as it will be interesting how they factor the the late season playoff push.

New to the defense are rookie Seamus Casey, Jonathan Kovacevic, and Brendan Dillon. Casey has already shown that he belongs and brings new energy plus added scoring to the blue line. Kovacevic brings a steady presence and a bit of toughness to the defense, while Dillon brings experience and leadership. Casey has three goals and one assist for four points in five games, Kovacevic has one goal and two assists for three points, and Dillon has one assist and is a plus-3.

At the forward position, Stefan Noesen and Paul Cotter join a potent forward group led by Jack Hughes. Noesen and Cotter bring experience and scoring to the top six, giving them a well-rounded group up front. Noesen, returning to the Devils after spending 2016-2018 in New Jersey, leads the team with six points on two goals and four assists. Cotter is second on the team in scoring with four goals and one assist after spending the previous three season with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Perhaps the biggest addition was between the pipes with goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Coming over in a trade with the Calgary Flames, many have high expectations for the netminder. While the 6-foot--6 Markstrom has two wins in three games, his 2.71 goals-against-average and .906 save percentage could use some improvement. He is a solid goaltender who could lead this team back to the playoffs.

Already a strong team, the Devils got better with some nice additions. This should give them a boost in the standings and a return to the playoffs. Aside from any serious injuries or series of uninspired play, New Jersey should be in the run for a division title and playoff spot. Dangerous, yet underrated, team this season.