Gone are the clean-cut days of Lou Lamoriello’s New Jersey Devils.
The team is entering a new phase under general manager Ray Shero, which begs the question: Who, exactly, are the 2015-16 Devils?
Backed by a dynamic goaltender in Cory Schneider and led by the league’s youngest head coach in John Hynes, change is coming for the identity-challenged Devils.
Head coach: John Hynes
GM: Ray Shero
Team payroll: $58.8 million cap hit against $71.4 million cap
Last season record: 32-36-14
Goals for: 176 (28th in NHL)
Goals against: 209 (14th in NHL)
PP: 19.3 per cent (8th in NHL)
PK: 80.6 per cent (21st in NHL)
Corsi for per 60: 45.2 (via stats.hockeyanalysis.com)
Key acquisitions: Kyle Palmieri, John Moore, Yann Danis, Pavel Zacha, Jiri Tlusty, David Schlemko
Key departures: Martin Havlat, Scott Gomez, Scott Clemmensen, Byrce Salvador, Michael Ryder, Steve Bernier, Dainius Zubrus
Rookies to Watch: Stefan Matteau, John Quenneville, Pavel Zacha, Reid Boucher
Zacha was the sixth overall pick from last June’s NHL Draft after the big centre scored 34 points in 37 OHL games with the Sarnia Sting. While it may be a surprise if Zacha makes the team, Boucher is considered a virtual lock. The winger scored 30 points in 62 AHL games last season and scored one goal in 11 NHL games. He sustained a concussion in a rookie tournament game, but has resumed workouts.
Highlight of 2014-15: Cory Schneider has been a consistent bright spot for the team. The goaltender was at the top of his game during a November 2014 game against the Minnesota Wild.
Pre-season letter grades
Forwards: The Devils’ aging forward group struggled in the goals department last year, and their shortage of offensive roster moves indicates a similar output this year. Look for Travis Zajac, Jacob Josefson and Adam Henrique to step up and take over from the over-35 group. Former Duck Kyle Palmieri, 24, should add some firepower and a good dose of youth, too.
GRADE: C-
Defence: The Devils’ young group of defenders had its share of growing pains last season — but at least they’re growing. Buoyed by veteran Andy Greene, look for some of that young, raw talent of last year — Adam Larsson, Damon Severson, Jon Merrill and Eric Gelinas — to take on more ice time. And considering coach Hynes’ strong reputation for cultivating young talent, this core could be a fun group to watch in the years to come.
GRADE: B
Goaltending: The crease has long been the strong suit of the Devils. Ace goaltender Cory Schneider‘s steady presence in net was a stabling force for the team’s young blue line crew, and a saving grace for the offence’s inability to score. He’s the reason they didn’t finish worse in the standings last year, and he’ll continue that vital role this year. Backing Schneider is Keith Kinkaid, who proved himself worthy of the No. 2 role last year.
GRADE: A
The Devils will have a successful season if… They can start their youth movement within. Call it a change in brand or a rebuild — they can’t do either by relying on their aging roster. It’s time for their young talent to step up and look to the bigger picture — even if it means a few slip-ups along the way.
The Devils will have a disappointing season if… They can’t find their scoring stride. The team is in a lucky situation with such strong goaltending, but the only way they can improve is by lighting up their side of the scoreboard. (Wanted: A solid No. 1 centre. Apply within.)