With NHL training camps only a few weeks away, it’s a good time to start which players could have big seasons for the New Jersey Devils.
The team has made some major improvements this off-season, especially in net, which has a lot of fans having them finish at the top of the Metro Division.
There are three players on the Devils who will be pushing themselves to get better and have a much more productive season this year; with that, let’s get into it.
1. Dougie Hamilton
Dougie Hamilton doesn’t have a ton to prove; everyone knows he is a great defenseman. However, after he tore his left pectoral muscle, he was sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Hamilton should be back to full health and ready to be an impactful player on the new and improved blue line for the Devils.
Don’t underestimate what the return of Dougie Hamilton will mean to the New Jersey Devils.
All of the forwards will benefit from his return. He allows the offense to take another step. pic.twitter.com/yTweWXvWE8
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) August 9, 2024
Hamilton being a right-handed shot means he likely won’t see time with Brett Pesce. But there is still Luke Hughes and Jonas Siegenthaler who could be his partners.
It seems Hamilton is going to be set up for a huge comeback season that sees him score 40+ points easily.
2. Jacob Markstrom
The Jacob Markstrom trade speculation finally came to an end when the Devils acquired him back in June. Since then, there has been a different vibe surrounding the team.
NHL Insiders and analysts have them beating the New York Rangers out for the top spot in their division. They finally improved at the position that they were most weak in [goaltending], and if all goes well in training camp, they will look to come out and dominate this season.
Obviously, that is made easier if Markstrom is on his game. If he isn’t, then the Devils find themselves in a tough situation. However, we all know that Markstrom is a competitor and will give it all he has on a nightly basis. He showed that with the struggling Calgary Flames team.
Personally, I think Markstrom is going to come into the 2024-25 season very energized by the trade and the direction of the team. Which will make the Devils even more of a dangerous team.
Related: 3 Devils Players Facing the Most Pressure to Start 2024-25 Season
