Devils season preview: Hischier, Hughes lead core aiming to turn up heat

The 2022-23 NHL season starts Oct. 7. With training camps opening soon, NHL.com is taking a look at the three keys, the inside scoop on roster questions, and the projected lineup for each of the 32 teams. Today, the New Jersey Devils.

Coach: Lindy Ruff (third season)
Last season: 27-46-9, seventh place in Metropolitan Division; did not qualify for Stanley Cup Playoffs

3 KEYS

1. Better goaltending
The Devils are hoping incumbent starter Mackenzie Blackwood improves this season, but as insurance, they acquired goalie Vitek Vanecek in a trade with the Washington Capitals on July 8. Blackwood was limited to 25 games (9-10-4, 3.39 goals-against average, .892 save percentage) because of illness and a lingering left heel injury. Jonathan Bernier, who signed a two-year contract July 28, 2021, played 10 games (4-4-1, 3.06 GAA, .902 save percentage) before going on injured reserve with a hip injury. Vanecek was 20-12-6 with a 2.67 GAA and .908 save percentage in 42 games with the Capitals last season.
2. More offense
Last season marked the first time since 2011-12 that New Jersey had at least four players with at least 20 goals. Centers Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier (26 goals each) and forwards Jesper Bratt (24 goals) and Yegor Sharangovich (21 goals) each is expected to continue to elevate on offense. Forward prospects Fabian Zetterlund and Alexander Holtz each must follow that lead on the way to earning a more prominent role; Zetterlund had 52 points (24 goals, 28 assists) in 58 games with Utica of the American Hockey League last season and Holtz had 51 points (26 goals, 25 assists) in 52 AHL games. The Devils have not finished in the top 15 in the NHL in goals scored the past four seasons (15th in 2017-18; 243 goals).
3. Power-play production
Andrew Brunette, hired as an associate coach July 15, is expected to help run a power play that ranked 28th in the NHL (15.6 percent) a second straight season. Brunette finished second in voting for the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year with the Florida Panthers, who were tied for fifth in the NHL on the power play last season (24.4). New Jersey hasn't finished among the top 20 in the NHL on the power play the past four seasons; they were 10th in 2017-18 (21.4 percent).

ROSTER RUNDOWN

Making the cut
It's time for Holtz, chosen No. 7 in the 2020 NHL Draft, and Zetterlund (No. 63, 2017 NHL Draft) to each show he is ready for primetime. Holtz offers a tremendous shot and would bolster the power play. Zetterlund plays an honest, hard-nosed game, with a knack for generating pressure in the offensive zone. Each potentially could take a position in the top nine, but must prove it to coach Lindy Ruff during training camp.
Most intriguing addition
Forward Ondrej Palat signed a five-year contract on July 14 and is expected to play a big role on the top line with either Hughes or Hischier. The 31-year-old, who will provide needed experience and bolster the forecheck, helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021 when he proved to be a dynamic complementary piece on a line with Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Palat had 49 points (18 goals, 31 assists) in 77 games last season and 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in 23 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Biggest potential surprise
Defenseman John Marino, acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 16, had 25 points (one goal, 24 assists), and was third among Penguins defensemen in blocked shots (88) and tied for second in takeaways (43) in 81 games last season. The 25-year-old right-handed shot takes pride in his play away from the puck and his ability to transition quickly should complement the strength of New Jersey's forward group.
Ready to break through
Hughes has the look of a player on the verge of superstar status. The 21-year-old missed 17 games because of a dislocated shoulder but still had 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) in 49 games last season. He led the Devils in points per game (1.14), power-play goals (six) and shooting percentage (15.8; minimum 10 games played) and ranked first among New Jersey forwards in average ice time (19:34). He was the youngest player at the 2022 NHL All-Star Game and is on a path to becoming one of the most dynamic players in the League.
Fantasy sleeper
Holtz, RW (undrafted on average in fantasy) -- Nearly a point-per-game player in the AHL last season, Holtz could land a top-six role with a valuable center in Hughes or Hischier and emerge as a sneaky Calder Trophy candidate. -- Pete Jensen

PROJECTED LINEUP

Ondrej Palat -- Nico Hischier -- Jesper Bratt
Yegor Sharangovich -- Jack Hughes -- Dawson Mercer
Tomas Tatar -- Erik Haula -- Alexander Holtz
Jesper Boqvist -- Michael McLeod -- Nathan Bastian
Jonas Siegenthaler -- Dougie Hamilton
Ryan Graves -- Damon Severson
Brendan Smith -- John Marino
Mackenzie Blackwood
Vitek Vanecek