I’ll be real: I really like the way the New Jersey Devils forward group is shaping up in 2024-25. In these rankings, most of the NHL universe will be huge fans of what the Devils won’t just have in the top-six but also those providing depth in the lower lines, because you can make a valid argument that this team will have 12 quality forwards heading into the season.
But if we took every player who could make the team as a forward this season, how would they stack up against one another? Below, you’ll find 13 players who should make the big club, plus one who is capable of playing a hybrid role.
This list likely won’t be set, as general manager Tom Fitzgerald could end up signing another forward before the season begins, or a prospect could impress in the preseason and earn a spot in the lineup. But following most of the roster transactions that occurred in the first week of July, here is how the Devils forwards currently rank.
Kurtis MacDermid is technically a defenseman; however he has seen time at forward in the past, so, therefore, he’ll be ranked both here and in my next piece when I tackle the blueliners. Regardless of whether he’s at home on the blue line or if he indeed sees time at forward this season on a nominal basis, expect MacDermid to see very limited ice time.
Nolan Foote has played in just a handful of games throughout the last four years, but that may change this season. If so, Foote will provide a young presence on the lower lines, and there’s a chance his stock will increase when we revisit these rankings.
Overall, Bastian saw 54 games for the Devils last season, where he finished the season with 143 hits and 12 points, and 10:10 of average total ice time. His season ended prematurely following a pair of incidents against the New York Rangers, but Bastian should be ready to roll and resume fourth-line minutes this season.
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Publish date : 2024-07-09 19:00:00
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