Noah Pedrazzoli takes a look at the summer moves of the Islanders Metropolitan Division rivals starting with the New Jersey Devils
Every NHL fan and analytical mind can effectively conclude that last year was a disappointing season for the Islanders’ Garden State rival. The Devils were wrecked with injuries, an interesting locker room dynamic (“People pay to watch me play” – an infamous on-ice quote from star center Jack Hughes), as well as a coaching change in which head coach (now Buffalo Sabres head coach) Lindy Ruff was fired and the reigns were handed over to Travis Green (now Ottawa Senators head coach).
However, this offseason has proven to be somewhat fun, yet stressful, for the Devils and their fanbase. With the addition of Sheldon Keefe, a coach who desperately needed a change of scenery and a fresh start from the Toronto Maple Leafs, will visit a similar environment in the young core of stars featuring Jack and Luke Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Timo “Timo Time” Meier.
The addition of veteran defenseman Brett Pesce from the Carolina Hurricanes will provide some vital defensive stability to the blue line and maybe even a mentorship to young D-Men Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, and recently acquired Johnathan Kovacevic from the Montreal Canadiens.
"People pay to watch me play"
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 16, 2024
Jack Hughes let the chirps fly at Viktor Arvidsson 👀 pic.twitter.com/qIwN5GXzV8
“Now, all these acquisitions are impressive. The Devils have made substantial additions to improve their team and their bench.”
Brenden Dillon is also a sneaky offensive steal the Devils have acquired from the Winnipeg Jets that could provide additional structure to New Jersey’s defense.
The return of noted Islanders killer Stefan Noesen from Carolina, and the trade acquisitions of Paul Cotter and Tomas Tatar will reinforce the bottom-six which will need to make an impact this year if they want to hammer down on the star-populated Metropolitan Division.
Lastly, the addition of disgruntled veteran net-minder Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames will provide some much-needed relief to the Devils goalie crease.
Devils Metro Division Outlook: 1st-2nd Place
Now, all these acquisitions are impressive. The Devils have made substantial additions to improve their team and their bench. However, what do they really need to not only legitimize their claim for the throne of the Metro Division, but to also maintain the same momentum in the postseason? The clear need, just like the Islanders, is another top-six winger to compliment the playmaking of Jack Hugues and Dawson Mercer.
If Sheldon Keefe can institute an efficient defensive structure for the bottom-six and bottom-four defensemen to provide some relief to aging goaltender Jacob Markstrom, the Metro could see the return of the New Jersey Devils on top.
Catch the latest episode of HNiNY as the boys spoke to former Islanders general manager Neil Smith
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