New Jersey Devils fantasy projections for 2022-23

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff identifies relevant players from the New Jersey Devils. For more coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the "NHL Fantasy on Ice" podcast.

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NOTES: These fantasy projections (for 82-game season), a collaborative effort by Pete Jensen and Anna Dua, have been quantified based on factors including but not limited to past performance in the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs, projected line combinations, power-play usage, team goalie situations, injury history or concern, sleeper upside, anticipated regression or bounce-back candidacy, age, contract status and overall upside for this season. The below totals are safe estimates and do not necessarily indicate each player's ceiling or floor and should be used as a basis for decision-making in all fantasy leagues. Players are listed below in order of NHL.com top 250 rank.
Devils 32 in 32: [Season preview | 3 Questions | Top prospects]
Jack Hughes, C --He was limited to 49 games last season because of multiple injuries but led the New Jersey Devils in points per game (1.14; tied for 24th in NHL), shots on goal per game (3.37; 24th) and was tied with wing Jesper Bratt for their lead in goals (26). Hughes would have a high fantasy ceiling if he plays a full season and should be considered a top 15 center, top 50 overall player and among the 10 most valuable options in most keeper and dynasty leagues.
NHL.com point projection for Hughes: 77
Jesper Bratt, RW -- He is coming off by far his best season with NHL career highs in points (led Devils with 73 in 76 games), goals (26), assists (47), power-play points (18) and shots on goal (197); his previous best point total was 35 in 74 games as a rookie in 2017-18. In addition to points, Bratt led New Jersey in even-strength goals (23) and power-play points and should be considered a fantasy bargain if he's available outside the top 100 overall after signing a one-year contract to remain with New Jersey following his breakout performance.
NHL.com point projection for Bratt: 63

Dougie Hamilton, D -- He had 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) in 62 games in his first season with the Devils, a big step back in points per game (0.48) after having his two most productive seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2019-20 (0.85) and 2020-21 (0.76). But Hamilton, who was tied with Bratt for New Jersey's shots on goal lead (197) but had the lowest shooting percentage of his NHL career (4.6 percent) last season, has bounce-back potential (50 points for Calgary Flames in 2016-17) and should be considered a top 25 defenseman.
NHL.com point projection for Hamilton: 50
Ondrej Palat, LW -- He signed a five-year contract with the Devils after playing his first 10 NHL seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning , including Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021, and could be a good fit on either the top line with Hughes or with center Nico Hischier. Palat is coming off the best postseason of his NHL career (21 points in 23 games) and provides strong hits coverage (1.7 per game in NHL career). It's worth noting Palat tied his best points per game (0.84) in 2020-21 and had his highest power-play point total (20) that regular season while playing on the first power play when elite linemate Nikita Kucherov did not play because of injury.
NHL.com point projection for Palat: 55
Vitek Vanecek, G -- He was acquired by the Devils in a trade with the Washington Capitals on July 8 before signing a three-year contract with them July 19. Vanecek was tied for sixth in the NHL in shutouts last season (four) and is 41-22-10 with a .915 even-strength save percentage in 79 games since entering the NHL in 2020-21. He should boost the Devils, who allowed the second-most 5-on-5 goals (217) in the NHL last season, and is one of the top fantasy sleeper goalie options.
NHL.com win projection for Vanecek: 22
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Other NJD players to consider in fantasy: Nico Hischier, C; Dawson Mercer, C/RW; Damon Severson, D; Alexander Holtz, RW; Yegor Sharangovich, C/LW
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