The New Jersey Devils are gearing up for an exciting 2023-2024 season. After a record of 42 wins, 33 losses, and 7 overtime losses last season, the team is focused on going deeper in the playoffs this year. The Devils were eliminated in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes and are keen to improve their standing in the Metropolitan Division.
Healthy Hughes Returns to the Devils
A significant boost for the Devils comes from the return of Jack Hughes, their first-line center. After undergoing shoulder surgery from an injury sustained last March, Hughes is expected to be back in action for the season opener on October 9 against Carolina.
2023-2024 Season Preview
With a well-structured roster and strong new additions, the Devils are aiming for a more productive season.
- Coaching Staff: Head coach Sheldon Keefe is entering his second season with the team, boasting a career record of 431 wins, 254 losses, and 130 overtime losses.
- Key Departures: Notable players leaving the team include Erik Haula, Stefan Noesen, Nathan Bastian, Daniel Sprong, and Tomas Tatar.
- New Additions: The Devils signed Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, and Juho Lammikko, alongside rookie Arseny Gritsyuk and assistant coach Brad Shaw.
Goaltending Duo
The goaltending situation looks promising with Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen. Last season, Markstrom recorded 26 wins with a goals-against average of 2.50, while Allen secured 13 wins with an average of 2.66.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement
One of the Devils’ strengths is their defensive play, ranking in the top five for goals against last season. Their penalty kill was second-best in the league, highlighting their strong special teams. However, the lack of Luke Hughes, who currently remains unsigned after missing training camp, poses a challenge. His involvement could have bolstered their lineup significantly.
Key Players to Watch
Several players are expected to play crucial roles this season:
- Jesper Bratt: Coming off a noteworthy season with 88 points in 81 games, he aims for another strong performance while vying for a position on Sweden’s Olympic team.
- Nico Hischier: The captain of the team is already on Switzerland’s Olympic roster and remains motivated to lead the team.
- Jack Hughes: As a star player, he plays a pivotal role in the team’s success and is determined to overcome health concerns.
The Devils are committed to improving their standing in the NHL. The competition is fierce, particularly against rivals like the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes. With their sights set on making a deeper playoff run, the season ahead promises to be crucial for the New Jersey Devils.
