When you were a kid in art class, you'd build a house out of clay, meticulously and methodically before glancing over to Kenny, who looks like he's building a mansion out of clay. You know Kenny, everyone knows a "Kenny". The nice guy that can't do any wrong, but makes you feel like you're not doing something right. Maybe it's the foundation. Maybe it's the roof. Maybe just maybe, you're not doing anything wrong at all. Maybe it's just simply Kenny did it better, but you still got a good plan and a good grade coming. The New Jersey Devils can look across the Hudson to the Madison Square Garden and say, "DAMN YOU KENNY!," But does that mean the Devils rebuild is not going well? Or are they on the right track and going to surprise Kenny soon enough?
2021-22 Expectations: The New Jersey Devils finished the abbreviated 2021 season 26 points behind the New York Islanders for a playoff spot. Their -49 goal differential was the envy of the Buffalo Sabres who were a -61 in the reworked Metro Division. Hard to say that the Devils were thinking they could make the playoffs. More importantly, this season was to continue developing the young talent the Devils accumulated over the last 6 years and evaluate who should stay going forward.
2021-22 Result: In the immensely tough Metropolitan Division, the Devils finished 35 points out of a playoff spot and a -59 goal differential didn't improve on last season's -49. The Devils stars all dealt with injury and controversy throughout the season to the point of satire. After a 2021 off-season spending spree that netted them Tomas Tatar, Jonathan Bernier and Dougie Hamilton, along with Ryan Graves via trade, expectations grew, but the Devils would never really challenge for a playoff spot at all this season.
What Went Right: Despite the poor result in the 21-22 season, plenty went right for the Devils. For starters, Captain Nico Hischier played in 70 games for the first time since his rookie year and was just under a point per game with 60 points. On a team that was -59 in goal differential, the former Swiss top overall selection was a -1. Jesper Bratt led the team in scoring (73 points) and could be an emerging star. With 26 goals and 47 assist, Bratt doubling his production from any season of his career; 10 more goals than his previous career high and 22 more assists than any other season. His even rating shows that he's more than a one way player too. The Devils will be happy to pay him in his RFA year this fall.
2019 top overall pick Jack Hughes had a HUGE Opening Night, but an injury on a hard check by Seattle's Jeremy Lauzon, robbed him of four weeks and then a knee injury would end his season. In between the injuries, Hughes was named an All Star and posted career highs in goals (26), assists (30) and points (56). The Devils simply need him to play more than 49 games. Lastly, Yegor Sharangovich broke the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career as he continues to grow as a goal scorer.
What Went Wrong: Defenseman Dougie Hamilton was given a 7 year / $9m contract from the Devils in the off season. The former Carolina / Calgary / Boston Defenseman compiled 9 goals and 21 assists in 62 games. That's 12 points below his 2021 Carolina totals with 7 more games played. That's not going to cut it for Jersey and certainly not at $9m. Also, Mackenzie Blackwood's controversy over the vaccine mandate and then heel injury may have the Devils reconsidering him as a franchise goaltender. His save percentage and Goals Against Average have gone up every year since he entered the league. Compounded with the Bernier injury, the Devils were left with a TREMENDOUS hole in net and they never filled it at any point.
Reasons to be optimistic: The Devils have a LOT of young talent in the pipeline. Dawson Mercer (17g, 25a, 42p) looked good in spots. Prospect Alexander Holtz had 51 points with the Utica Comets before coming up for 9 games and notching 2 assists. They also have the number two overall pick after winning a THIRD lottery in 6 years that they're trying to ship it elsewhere for assets now - possibly Alex Debrincat from Chicago. All while having a TON of cap space and possibly a pursuit of New Jersey native Johnny Gaudreau. Could be an exciting off-season in Newark!
Reason to be Pessimistic: Dougie Hamilton will have to be better. It's hard not to see that the $9 million dollar a year will not be well spent and GM Tom Fitzgerald may regret that deal sooner than later. The quarterback of the Devils 28th ranked Power Play (15.6%) NEEDS TO BE BETTER. Their goaltending has been awful and it's not a stretch to say that the Devils will need to look outside the organization for stability in net.
What this team needs: Other than time to grow their prospects, this team needs stability in the net. With a plethora of options in free agency and via trade, the Devils can upgrade their goal and get ready to compete in the Metro. Who could it be? Jon Gibson could be an attractive option. Maybe Darcy Kuemper leaves Colorado for a big pay day in New Jersey, but the Devils have high cost options like Gibson or maybe lower cost options like bringing in New York Rangers’ Alexander Georgiev, who wants to move on from Broadway.
2022-23 Season Expectations: The Devils could take a jump next year if they make the right moves. Their young talent is coming together and could threaten a playoff run with the RIGHT moves. The only question remaining : Is Lindy Ruff the right coach for this team? Look for the Devils to keep him on a short leash next season. If they start out slow, they could show him the door quickly. As for the Devils, their rebuild is going well and there's no need to look at Kenny's project and get jealous.
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