BUILDING BLOCKS
The Devils were in dire need of skilled youth a few years ago. Now it’s coming in waves
WINNING THE draft lottery helped New Jersey’s remarkable summer turnaround, but Nico Hischier wasn’t the only good pick. Unheralded 2016 sixth-rounder Jesper Bratt also made a quick impact, giving credence to the Devils’ strategy of casting a wide net in the draft. GM Ray Shero gave his scouts 20 picks in the past two drafts. Shero traded away some picks this year, but still has six selections heading into Dallas. IMMEDIATE NEEDS: The addition of Sami Vatanen helped buttress a defense corps that, on paper, was less than impressive. Rookie Will Butcher proved himself ready for the NHL, but another defenseman would go a long way for this rapidly improving franchise. With a generous amount of cap space, New Jersey has the opportunity to court a true No. 1 blueliner in the off-season. LONG-TERM NEEDS: New Jersey rode backup Keith Kinkaid as the Devils scrambled for a wild-card spot in March, casting doubts on the future of starter Cory Schneider. While Schneider has been a rock in the past, his numbers have been pedestrian lately, and he owns the team’s biggest contract. Kinkaid is a perfect backup, but who will be the starter three years from now? CAP SITUATION: The Devils are in great shape when it comes to the salary cap. Shero has more than $20 million to play with and all his key players are already signed. Brian Gibbons will get a well-deserved raise, as will RFA Miles Wood, but neither will break the budget. Shero has the luxury of molding his upstart club on the fly, meaning UFAs such as Drew Stafford, Michael Grabner and Patrick Maroon can be evaluated properly. IN THE SYSTEM 2018-19: John Quenneville has already logged some NHL games, while Michael McLeod is champing at the bit during his final OHL season. One or both of the skilled centers could earn an NHL job. DID YOU KNOW: Not only did power forward Joey Anderson captain Team USA to a bronze medal at the 2017 WJC, but he and brother Mikey (L.A.) were the first siblings to win a medal together for the Americans since Chris and Peter Ferraro in 1992.