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New Jersey Devils Top 25 Player Power Rankings Part Three: 15-11

Part three of a four-part series power ranking the New Jersey Devils roster before the start of the season.

Last week we began our player power rankings for the upcoming season. In part one we covered players 25-21 and in part two players 20-16. Today we are looking at the mushy middle, players 15-11. Keep an eye out for the final, and biggest part, the top 10.

Devils Player Rankings 15-11

15. Michael McLeod

Since being selected 12th overall in 2016, Michael McLeod has never reached the heights of a top 15 pick. However, over the past two seasons, he has carved out a very important role on the Devils. In 2021-22 McLeod cemented himself as the team’s fourth-line centre and this past year excelled even further in that role. He registered career highs in games played (80), and points (26), and was third in the NHL in face-off win percentage (60.6%).

McLeod had once looked like a bust a few years ago. Despite not reaching the offensive ceiling the 12th pick of the draft is expected to, and he has become a vital part of this team. He will continue to be the Devils top penalty killer and face-off taker. Stanley Cup-winning teams usually have players like McLeod, who brings speed, physicality, and the ability to play special teams. He recently signed a new one-year contract, but I suspect him to stay with the team long-term.

14. Ondrej Palat

The 2022-23 season was a tumultuous one for Palat. After signing a massive contract in free agency he played in just six games before missing two months with a groin injury. However, when he was on the ice he brought a steadiness and veteran presence that the Devils needed. In particular, Palat stood out in the Devils mini-run to the second round. He registered seven points in 12 games, displaying his clutchness in the playoffs to an inexperienced team.

Heading into 2023-24 Palat will likely see most of his time on the third line. Salary aside, this is a spot where he will most thrive. He could yet again see minutes next to Jack Hughes, but Palat’s grit is very well suited on the third line on a Stanley Cup team. He was able to score 23 points in just 49 games, but if he can stay healthy a 45 to 50-point season isn’t out of the question. If Palat can continue to provide veteran leadership and timely goals in the postseason, then the Devils should surely feel like they are getting their money’s worth.

13. Erik Haula

After coming over in the Pavel Zacha trade last offseason, Erik Haula ended up having himself a nice 2022-23. He scored 41 points in 80 games and reached a career-high 27 assists. His versatile game allowed him to split time either next to Jack Hughes or as the third-line centre, as well as playing on both special teams. Haula’s importance to the team is what earned him a new three-year deal with the Devils.

Haula got off to a rocky start with the Devils, not scoring his first goal until game 18. Much of Haula’s point production didn’t come until the latter half of the season. He ended the season with eight points in seven games. Where Haula brought value as a penalty killer and a running mate for Jack Hughes. For large parts of the season, the two found themselves playing together, and Hughes looked noticeably more comfortable with him by his side. Entering 2023-24 however, I’d expect the two to be split up more often than not, with Haula anchoring the team’s third line, a position he is much more fit for.

12. Akira Schmid

Goalie Akira Schmid was the surprise of the season last year. After a horrific showing in limited games in 2021-22, Schmid put up phenomenal numbers in 2022-23. Across 18 games he had a 2.13 GAA and a .922 SV%. Schmid gained national attention during the playoffs against the Rangers when he nearly singlehandedly saved their season and recorded shutouts in Games 5 and 7.

The upcoming season is an interesting one for Schmid. His play last season certainly warrants a chance at a full-time NHL spot, but an extra year of seasoning in the AHL could do him wonders long term. The Devils have yet to make a move for another NHL-calibre goalie, so Schmid’s chances of earning that spot grow by the day. For now, he is pencilled in behind starter Vitek Vanececk, but after his showings last year, there is a legitimate possibility of him stealing the starter’s net. Schmid is an interesting case of someone who could either end the season as the starter in the AHL or NHL and your guess is as good as mine.

11. Luke Hughes

What a 2022-23 season for Luke Hughes. After dominating at the University of Michigan and winning a bronze medal in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, he joined the big club and didn’t look out of place at all. His memorable overtime goal to close out the regular season and solid performance in Game 5 of the second round will be what propels him to a top-four role on the Devils next season.

Hughes enters 2023-24 with a massive role to play. With both Ryan Graves and Damon Severson departing, they will rely heavily on him to play big minutes. His skating, transition play, and ability to quarterback a powerplay should make him an immediate star in this league. There will likely be defensive lapses early on, but his offensive production should more than makeup for any rookie errors he makes. He enters the season number 11 on the power rankings, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a top-five player by the end of the year.

Main Photo: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

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