The New Jersey Devils have been lighting up the ice recently, winning five of their last six games. But in a fiercely competitive Eastern Conference, it seems like their late surge might not be enough.
Sitting 11 points out of a playoff spot, the Devils could theoretically win out and still miss the postseason. It’s been a tough ride for Devils fans this year.
Off the ice, the front office has been notably quiet. With Jack Hughes sidelined by injury, no blockbuster trades were made to fill the gap.
Jacob Markstrom’s struggles didn’t prompt any major moves either. Even when it was clear that coaching adjustments were needed, no changes were made.
The Utica Comets, the Devils' AHL affiliate, remain the only team in the franchise to have won a game after trailing in the third period.
Despite the challenges, there are bright spots. Jack Hughes has been a standout since his Olympic heroics.
Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt have stepped up their game, while Luke Hughes is showing promising development. Simon Nemec and Cody Glass have exceeded expectations, adding to the positives.
The real revelation this season has been Arseny Gritsyuk. Although he's older for a rookie due to his KHL experience, Gritsyuk has surpassed expectations.
His offensive stats-13 goals and 18 assists-might not jump off the page, but there’s more than meets the eye. With limited power play opportunities, he’s matched Nico Hischier in 5v5 goals and trails only Jesper Bratt in 5v5 assists, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Gritsyuk is making the most of his situation.
However, the Devils will miss Gritsyuk for a few games due to injury, sparking debate about whether to shut him down for the season. That idea seems misguided.
Gritsyuk needs every bit of NHL experience he can get, especially with contract negotiations looming. It’s crucial for him to end the season on a high note.
If Gritsyuk feels ready and the medical team clears him, he should be on the ice. Shutting him down prematurely could hinder his development and impact future contract talks.
For the Devils, securing a reasonable deal with Gritsyuk is a top priority this offseason. Keeping him on the ice, striving for a 40-point milestone, would be a meaningful achievement in his rookie campaign.