The New Jersey Devils are rolling. They have grabbed control of the Metropolitan Division with an incredible start to the season, including a 12 game win streak that they’ll look to extend tonight. My last look at the Devils was on September 21, during the preseason, where we saw reason to proclaim the Devils as the best dark horse contender of the 22/23 season. Let’s take a closer look at how the Devils have taken the NHL by storm.
2022-2023 Season Performance
Team Performance
The Devils are off to a scorching 15-3-0 record to start the 22/23 campaign, putting them second in the NHL just behind the Boston Bruins. They’ve now dispatched both high and low caliber oppontents. With an active 12 game win streak, they don’t appear to be ready to slow down.
It’s how the Devils have gotten off to such a strong start that may be more impressive. They have maintained a massive advantage in 5v5 expected goal share through the entirety of the season so far. That’s great news for the full season outlook since it’s a strong sign that their results are sustainable.
The Devils actually started the season with extremely poor finishing and goaltending , which had some in the fan base calling for coaching changes just a handful of games into the season. With percentages trending to more sustainable levels in about week 4, the Devils have become a wagon, wiping out any sentiment for change.
Top Performers
Jesper Bratt may be one of the most underrated players in the NHL. Coming into the season, the model projected a top line impact from Bratt and his performance this season has exceeded that projection. He’s contributing offensively while also sitting among the best forwards in the NHL for defensive impact. With his projected impact trending upward with the first update over 200 5v5 minutes this season, the Devils may regret not getting a long term deal done last summer for the pending RFA.
There have been plenty of standouts on the blueline for the Devils this season. John Marino, Jonas Siegenthaler, and Ryan Graves are all having excellent season. Dougie Hamilton leads the group, though. Last season’s big UFA addition battled injuries last year and he never really seemed to find his groove. Healthy this season, Hamilton is having a big impact for the Devils.
Goaltending was the Devils kryptonite last season. The offseason acquisition of Vitek Vanecek has helped to change that narrative. Vanecek was thrust into the starter’s role with an injury to Mackenzie Blackwood and he’s been up to the task.
2022 Offseason Moves – Hindsight Edition
We’ve already touched on a big offseason addition in goal. There was another big move with the defense corps with the acquisition of John Marino from the Penguins in exchange for Ty Smith. Marino has been outstanding in his first season with the Devils, playing a strong defensive game and chipping in offensively. With Ty Smith plying his trade in the AHL, it’s fair to say the trade was a massive win for the Devils.
The Devils also signed Ondrej Palat to a 5 year deal following Palat’s three straight trips to the Stanley Cup Final with the Lightning. Palat brings a top six projected impact and he played well in first few games with the Devils. Unfortunately, the injury bug caught up to Palat and he’s been limited to just 6 games with the Devils so far.
2022-2023 Roster Profile Updates
With a majority of players now over the 200 5v5 minute mark on the season, we’re starting to see the team profiles shift with updated player projections. The Devils hot start has seen a number of their player projections trending upward, which is exactly what we would hope to see with a team full of young, developing talent. Their defense corps is now rated as the best in the league and there have been slight improvement across most categories. The Devils have pretty much blown their dark horse cover with their 12 game win streak. They look like a legitimate playoff team that could be a serious contender with continued development from their young stars and some smart deadline additions.
Metropolitan Division Landscape
The Devils have opened up a 7 point lead over the Hurricanes at the top of the Metropolitan Division through just 18 games. They’re in control of the division and look like they have a strong enough team to hold off challengers. The Hurricanes have established themselves as the most obvious challenger and look likely to push hard for top spot as the season goes on.
For a more detailed look at the Metropolitan Division, check out yesterday’s Metropolitan Division Snapshot.
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Free Preview! The New Jersey Devils team page has been unlocked as a free preview this week. Check it out here.
Historical player data from Natural Stat Trick. Contract data from CapFriendly.
