New Jersey Devils 2022-2023 Season Preview: Roster Changes, Key Players, and Playoff Aspirations
The New Jersey Devils had a record of 42-33-7 last season and were eliminated in the first round by Carolina. Sheldon Keefe is the head coach for the Devils, and the team's season opener is on October 9 against Carolina. Some departures from the team include Erik Haula, Stefan Noesen, and Tomas Tatar, while additions include Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov. The Devils' goalies are Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen, with BetMGM Stanley Cup odds at 14-1.
The Devils are looking forward to having Jack Hughes back healthy after his shoulder injury last season. With key players in their prime, the team is aiming to compete for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division. The addition of Brown and Dadonov is expected to boost the team's offense, as they look to make a deeper playoff run this season.
New Jersey excelled in keeping the puck out of their net last season and has a strong special teams performance. Coach Keefe's influence on the team's penalty kill and power play has been significant. However, the absence of Luke Hughes, a potential top-pairing defenseman, poses a challenge for the team. The Devils will need players to step up in order to overcome playoff hurdles.
Players like Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier are expected to play key roles this season, with Bratt aiming to continue his scoring prowess and Hischier representing Switzerland in the Olympics. Jack Hughes is determined to stay healthy and lead the team to success, showcasing his star power on the ice. The Devils have high hopes for the upcoming season and are eager to make a strong push towards the playoffs.